There is no question that medications play a vital role in many people’s lives. Proper medication can cure diseases or can provide serious relief for those suffering from medical conditions. But on the flip side, consuming the wrong medication or taking medicine in the wrong dosage can cause a patient to suffer serious or even fatal injuries.
April 1 through April 7 is designated Medication Safety Week, the intention of which is to raise public awareness of the safety issues regarding the use of medications. The observance is the brainchild of the Women’s Heart Foundation, which on its website has listed different things we can do to help prevent medication-related injuries. These recommendations include:
- Informing yourself about your medications. Be able to properly identify your medications and the purpose each serves.
- Doing a medicine cabinet check and disposing of outdated medicines and prescriptions.
- Checking the labels of your medicines to make sure you are using them properly.
- Organizing your medications and creating an inventory of your supplements and medicines.
These are just a few of the recommendations made by the WHF. The WHF also suggests that you contact your pharmacist directly to get all the pertinent information about your supplements and medications.
Medication Safety Week may take place in April, but it is important to act responsibly when using medications throughout the year. And the medical professionals that prescribe and dispense these medications must make sure that we receive the correct drugs. This means that a doctor should thoroughly examine a patient to make sure it is safe for him or her to use prescribed drugs. Likewise, pharmacists are responsible for making sure that patients receive the correct prescriptions in correct dosages.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medication error, you may have the basis for a medical malpractice lawsuit. A personal injury attorney could look into the matter and act as your representative and help you get compensation for your injuries.