READ THE PRESCRIPTION LABEL

Course overview

Medication errors happen every day in our hospitals, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and homes. One of the most common and potentially dangerous medications errors is the mix-up of two drugs that sound alike when spoken or look alike when written. One of the most common and most dangerous medications errors in the hospital is a patient mix-up. This happens when one patient is confused with another patient and receives a medication by mistake; or two patients may have the same last name and are on the same floor. Counterfeit drugs pose a serious public health risk. The international, multibillion dollar black market for fake or adulterated drugs is growing at an alarming rate. Innocent patients may unknowingly be taking medicines that do not perform as needed. Some may be fatal, but many others have the wrong ingredients; little, none or too much of the active ingredient; or contain dangerous additives. They may carry the brand name or generic label. They may be mislabeled and have fake packaging. Some of these counterfeit products look so much like the actual drug that they fool pharmacists and doctors.