The number of similar-sounding drug names has almost doubled since 2004. There are so many labels that look the same or sound similar. As always, the physician or doctor’s penmanship is left to be desired. When phoning in drug orders, the pronunciation is quite sloppy.
For instance, you have this prescription for a birth-control device named NuvaRing, but you are filled with Estring instead, and you end up becoming pregnant because this medication is for menopause symptoms. Moreover, instead of a mild pain medication named Fentanyl, you get Sufentanil, which is at least five times more powerful. You will find yourself dropping to the floor after taking it and a paramedic will have to do CPR on you.
These are just some of the thousands of reported cases of medication mix-ups. Therefore, you need to take the following precautions so that you can protect yourself and your family. When your doctor writes the prescription, ask him or her to write down the name and dosage as well. You can also ask the doctor to spell it out loud.
Take note of the generic name if it is a brand name drug. Moreover, ask him or her to write down the intended purpose of the drug on the prescription form. With this, the pharmacist can be sure of the drug’s intended purpose. Don’t leave the pharmacy without checking the label on the prescription. Ask the pharmacist to check again if the refill doesn’t appear the same as your usual drugs.
