Medication error cases are consistently filed in the U.S. on a regular basis, with most claiming injury or even death due to mis-prescribed or mis-filled drugs from doctors. Each case is different but some believe that many of these cases could be avoided through education about the drugs by its consumer. If you or a loved one is prescribed a new medication or taking one on a regular basis, there are some easy ways to ensure medication errors doesn't happen to you. Because medication errors do occur, patients should be proactive about asking questions, reading labels and instructions to ensure the medication is what your doctor actually prescribed. 

Experts believe many medication error cases could have been avoided by simply understanding what each medication is for and how you are suppose to take the medication. Additionally, being aware of the restrictions that each drug carries is also important. For instance, many drugs carry restriction like not eating or drinking certain things and even limiting your exposure to the sun.

Furthermore, make sure your doctor knows the medications you are currently taking. This includes the dosage and frequency of consumption. This list of meds should include things like aspirin, herbal supplements and vitamins you may be taking. This is important because prescription drugs may become dangerous if taken with some over the counter supplemental medications.

Your doctor should also know all your allergies to medications and food, as well as your environmental allergies. If you have life threatening allergies, you should wear a bracelet or medical ID tag so that medical staff can know this quickly in the event that something happens and you are not conscious enough to let doctors know yourself.

Source: News Blaze "Tips to Avoid Medication Errors" 09/24/2010