Nearly 66 percent of American adults rely on prescription medication, which amounts to over 131 million individuals. However, a significant issue arises when not all of them use their medications correctly, resulting in between seven thousand and nine thousand deaths annually due to medication errors.
Taking pills is a common practice for many people, including Ann Gwin, who takes four medications for her blood pressure. Dr. Daniel Munoz, a cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasizes that managing multiple medications can be challenging.
One of the most prevalent mistakes identified in a recent study is attempting to cut costs by skipping doses, taking less medication or delaying filling prescriptions. Nevertheless, making any changes to your medication schedule or dosage without consulting a healthcare provider can be dangerous. Skipping doses or doubling up on missed ones can have severe consequences like increased blood pressure or harmful withdrawal symptoms.
It’s crucial to adhere strictly to your doctor’s prescribed medication regimen and never share your medications with others. Each prescription is customized according to an individual’s specific health requirements, such as height, weight, age and medical condition. By avoiding common medication errors, you can safeguard your health and well-being.
A report from UC Davis states that medication errors also pose a risk to children, with one child experiencing a medication error at home every eight minutes. The most frequent blunders include administering the wrong medication, giving drugs that the child is allergic to or providing an incorrect dose. Thus it is imperative for parents and caregivers to exercise vigilance and follow proper medication safety protocols to safeguard children from harm.
