Drug errors and interactions can be fatal. Here’s the story of Alice Brennan, a vibrant 88-year-old woman who loved to dance and joke with friends. After she sought treatment for severe neck pain at the emergency room, the doctor prescribed Flexeril. However, this act would later prove more dangerous than Alice’s family could imagine.
Later, her neurologist advised that Flexeril was not an appropriate drug for her age and condition. He told Alice to discontinue using it immediately. After a bout with gout, Alice went to a rehabilitation facility, where she was mistakenly given Flexeril again. Six weeks later, Alice was found dead. The cause? Medication error.
Alice’s tragic story underlines the gravity of safe medication management for caregivers, patients and hospital staff. So, how can caregivers learn how to protect their loved ones from deadly medication errors? First, caregivers must ensure that their loved one takes the correct prescription (or Rx) at the right time, with the proper dosage, and with the correct medication administration method. If you have questions about drug errors or interactions, contact your loved one’s physician or pharmacist right away.
Read on to learn more vital tips on managing medications in the home, hospital and physician's office.
General Medication Tips
At the Doctor’s Office
In the Home
At the Hospital
Helpful Resources
Medications can get complicated, and even a small mistake can lead to serious consequences. At Lean on Dee Senior Home Care, the staff knows that your loved one’s welfare is of utmost importance to you. Lean On Dee offers medication setup services to ensure stress-free and safe medication management. The trained staff helps you keep medications organized and up to date and ensure compliance with your doctor’s orders. Call 410-449-4538 to book an appointment today.
For questions about drug information or interactions, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s drug information pharmacists by phone at 1-855-543-3784.
Call America’s poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
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