Tag: Medication error

According to a study mentioned by Abraham Family Medicine, elderly individuals, who make up about 12% of the U.S. population, consume 32% of prescribed medications, significantly increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions and contraindications. A misunderstanding of what does contradiction mean in pharmacology can have serious consequences, emphasizing why clear communication and diligence are crucial for patient safety.

Adverse drug events (ADEs) involving anticoagulants lead to an estimated 1.5 million emergency department visits each year [1.2.3]. This statistic underscores why medical experts ask, 'Are anticoagulants a high-alert medication?' The answer is a definitive yes, due to their potential for causing significant patient harm [1.2.4, 1.3.1].

An accidental overdose of heparin can have life-threatening consequences, with bleeding being the most significant and feared complication. For both patients and healthcare professionals, understanding what happens if you inject too much heparin is vital for recognizing the signs of excessive anticoagulation and responding with immediate medical intervention.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) added tranexamic acid (TXA) injection to its List of High-Alert Medications in 2024 [1.2.3, 1.5.2]. This classification begs the question: why is tranexamic acid a high alert medication? The answer lies in the severe harm it can cause if administered incorrectly [1.2.3].

Some studies indicate that switching to a pill organizer can surprisingly reveal potential adverse effects in older adults who may have been taking their medication inconsistently. So, is it okay to put pills in a pill organizer, and what steps ensure it's done safely?

Sublocade, a buprenorphine injection, has a boxed warning from the FDA due to the risk of serious harm or death if administered intravenously [1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3]. So, what happens if Sublocade is injected wrong, and why are the consequences so severe?

While the typical daily dose of Flomax (tamsulosin) is 0.4 mg once daily, an unintentional double dose can cause a noticeable drop in blood pressure. Understanding what happens if you accidentally take two Flomax in one day is crucial for your safety, as it can lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. This guide explains the risks, signs to watch for, and the appropriate steps to take if a medication error occurs.

According to research from Planned Parenthood, wearing a single contraceptive patch during the scheduled patch-free week is a safe and common method for skipping a period. However, confusing this method with wearing a 'patch on my patch for free week' is a critical and dangerous medication error that can lead to a severe overdose depending on the type of patch.

According to product labeling, enoxaparin must never be administered by intramuscular injection. Accidentally injecting enoxaparin into a muscle can cause a large, painful, and potentially dangerous hematoma, or blood clot, at the injection site due to the muscle's rich blood supply.

Since 2019, calls to America's Poison Centers regarding overdoses or side effects of injectable GLP-1 medications like semaglutide have increased by nearly 1,500%, highlighting the risks of medication errors. It is crucial to understand what happens if you take two shots of semaglutide, as this can lead to serious health complications requiring medical intervention.