Why Do Medication Errors Occur?

Medication error refers to any mistake in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medicine. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication errors injure more than one million people in the United States each year. Luckily, patients can lower their risk of experiencing a medication error by taking an active role in their health care.

Medication errors can happen in a variety of places, including a patient’s home. However, the majority of medication errors occur in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and pharmacies. Some of the leading causes of medication errors in hospitals include poor communication between health care providers and sound-alike medication names or abbreviations. Whenever a patient starts a new medication, he or she should as the doctor for an explanation, including asking for the name of the generic variation. The patient should also research the recommended dosage along with any foods, drinks, or other medications that should be avoided while taking this new medicine.

Call (516) 684-2900 to schedule a consultation with Pegalis & Erickson of Long Island. Our medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of seriously injured individuals and their families.