1. REMEMBER! rm ed!
Be info
IT’S YOUR BODY!
Here are some ways to
decrease medication errors:
1. If you cannot read the
prescription, chances are
the pharmacist may have
difficulties reading it
too. Ask to have the
prescription printed.
2. Know how to take your
medications and any side
effects, particularly IT’S
those that may cause
dizziness, light-
headedness or
YOUR
3.
drowsiness.
If you are uncertain
BODY
about how to take your Medication errors happen
medications or know every day. They can happen at
the hospital, the doctor’s
what they are for—ASK!
office and even at home.
UR Body! This brochure can
It’s YO
help you prevent
mistakes with your
medicines.
Know your medication
names, both
trade name and generi
c, KNOW WHAT GOES IN YOUR BODY!
dosages and side eff
ects.

2. Who is
r
RESPONSIBLE fo Decreasing Medication
s?
your medication Errors in the Hospital
Your Role...
When a doctor or nurse
Everyone who is Make sure that anyone giving
is reviewing your
involved in the medications with you, you medication checks your
be sure to let them wristband and ask your name
management of before giving you medicine.
know if you are taking
your care is any of the following since they
may interact with medications Don’t be afraid to say if you
responsible for your think you are about to get a
you’re on or may be
wrong medication.
medications, including YOU! prescribed:
 Over the counter Know what time you should get
medicines your medications. If you don’t,
You are a part of the team that then speak up.
 Vitamins
is working to manage your Make sure you let someone
 Herbal supplements
medical condition whether it is (including teas) know if you feel you are having
any adverse side effects from a
short or long term.  Diet supplements medication.
 Natural remedies
Get a list of your medicines—
 Alcohol or recreation including your new ones.
Knowing your role in managing
drugs Read the list carefully. Make
your own care will help you  Any other prescription sure it lists everything you
are taking.
understand the affects that drugs prescribed by other
physicians
medications will have on your
condition.
UR Body!
It’s YO