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What are the most common causes of medication errors?

On Behalf of | Jul 24, 2024 | Malpractice

Every day, countless individuals trust their health care providers to prescribe and administer medications safely. Yet, mistakes happen more often than most people realize. These errors can lead to severe consequences, turning a path to healing into a nightmare of complications.

This blog will explore the common causes behind medication errors, shedding light on why they occur and how they affect patients. Understanding these issues is crucial whether you’ve experienced a medication mix-up or want to stay informed. Read on to discover the factors that contribute to these potentially life-altering mistakes.

How medication errors occur

Many things can cause medication errors, leading to health problems for patients. Even though doctors and nurses try to be careful, mistakes still happen. Here are the main reasons for these errors:

  • Compromised products: Taking old or poorly stored drugs can harm patients. Improper storage may lead to deterioration, even before the drug’s expiration date. This issue might cause unexpected side effects or make the treatment less effective.
  • Improper administration: Preparing or giving the wrong amount of medicine can be dangerous. Too much medicine can cause an overdose and serious problems, and too little might not help the patient get better.
  • Unexpected drug effects: Sometimes, due to lack of communication or inaccurate charts, patients receive drugs that they are allergic to. This issue results in allergic reactions, which can be fatal to some people. Doctors should also check how drugs mix with food or other medicines to avoid harmful reactions.
  • Carelessness: Being distracted when writing prescriptions or administering drugs often causes errors. Additionally, messy handwriting and orders contribute to wrong treatments.

For years, doctors’ hard-to-read writing has been a big problem. To fix this, many hospitals now use computer systems instead of handwritten orders for medicines. These digital tools help reduce mistakes due to illegible handwritten instructions.

Protect your rights after a medication error

Medication errors can have devastating consequences, turning a journey of healing into a painful ordeal. Understanding the common causes of these mistakes may help empower more patients to be proactive in their health care.

While doctors and physicians strive for perfection, they must also be held accountable when negligence occurs. Consider looking for an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complex process of addressing medication errors and their impact on your life.