Medication Errors On The Rise

New York Times writer Tara Parker-Pope recently wrote about the drastic increase in Medication mistakes in recent years. 

In 2008, 1.9 million people were affected by Medication side effects, because they took or were given the wrong type or dose of medication.  That is 700,000 more injured people than were reported in 2004.  This study only shows the patients treated in the hospital or emergency room as a result of a medication error. 

The study found that many different types of drugs were involved in causing injury.  The most common drugs were corticosteroids.  Other drugs typically associated with medication errors include pain relievers, blood thinners, cancer drugs, and blood pressure medicines.

Drug errors occurred for many reasons.  Sometimes it was the doctor prescribing the wrong dose or the wrong drug. Sometimes it was a nurse administering the wrong medicine.  Other times it was a pharmacy prescription error or even the patient themselves making a mistake.

No matter what the cause, medication errors are a financial drag on the economy.  The Institute of Medicine issued a report in 2006 that concluded Medication mistakes result in $3.5 billion in added costs for lost wages and Health care expenses.  This report called for more electronic prescriptions and better naming, labeling and packaging of drugs to prevent confusion among pharmacists and prevent errors. 

Prescription errors are clearly a growing problem in America, as more and more drugs are used every year.  While being on the proper medication can help a person live a longer and more fruitful life, these people also put their lives in danger.