Hospital Accident Lawyers

Medications are effective at treating various different illnesses and helping people live better lives. However, if a doctor prescribes the wrong medication or recommends the wrong dosage, the patient can get seriously hurt. Medication errors are one of the most common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk medications errors.

The medical malpractice lawyers give tips on how to reduce your risk of medication errors.

Ask Questions

The more you know about the medication you’re taking, the better. That’s why it’s important to ask your doctor several questions as he or she is prescribing the medication. Ask your doctor what the medication is supposed to do, how long it will take you to see results and what dosage you should take. You should also find out about the side effects, if you should take it with food and if it will interfere with other medications.

Share Up-to-Date Information About Your Health

If you provide your doctor with the most up-to-date information about your health, it will help prevent medication mistakes. Make a list of all the medications you’re currently taking and give it to your doctor. This way, your doctor can check to see if the medication he or she wants to prescribe will interact with your other medications or not. Additionally, if you’ve taken medications in the past that have caused you problems or if you currently have any serious health problems.

Avoid Cutting Up Pills

Unless your doctor has given you the go-ahead, you should never cut up your pills. Certain medications shouldn’t be cut up because they’re coated to protect your stomach.

Don’t Chew Medication That Aren’t Meant to Be Chewed

While chewing medication might seem easier than swallowing it whole, it’s not always a good idea. If you chew medications that aren’t supposed to be chewed, it can change how they’re absorbed in your body.

Check the Prescriptions When You Pick Them Up

When you go to the pharmacy to pick your medications, be sure to check the medication bottles before you leave. Is the dose the same as the doctor prescribed? Is there any difference between the name your doctor told you and what’s on the label? If you see anything that confuses you, talk to the pharmacist.

Have Only One Provider Be In Charge of Your Care

There should only be one medical provider in charge of your care. If you have just one doctor overseeing your care, it can help prevent errors, like multiple doctors unknowingly prescribing medications that interact with one another.

Getting Compensation for Medications Errors

If suffered injuries because your doctor made a medication error, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to talk to a medical malpractice lawyer about your case as soon as possible. They can help you file your claim in a timely manner and make sure your legal rights are protected.