Medication Safety

Your health care providers at CentraCare Clinic work very hard to ensure you receive your medications in a safe and timely manner. Unfortunately, errors can still occur.

There are many steps you as a patient can take to work with your health care providers to prevent medication errors.

Start by being an informed consumer and learn all you can about your condition and the medications used to treat it.

Information to know about your medication:

Both the brand and generic names of your medication.

The reason you are taking your medication. (For example, to treat diabetes.)

The dose and the time of day you should take your medication.

What are the possible side effects, and what to do if you experience side effects?

Are there things you should avoid while taking this medication? (Alcohol, foods, sun exposure)

How long should you take this medication, and do you need any lab tests to monitor your condition?

Will this medication interact with any other medication you are taking?

More steps you can take:

Carry a list of your medications in your wallet or purse. Include the dose of each medication and the time of day you take them. Also, include any over-the-counter vitamins, herbal medicines, and aspirin products. Note any medication allergies on this list. If your doctor changes your medication, update your list immediately.

Look at your medication before you leave the pharmacy to be sure you have the correct medication. According to state law, once you leave the pharmacy you cannot return the medication.

Ask your healthcare provider before you make any changes in the way you take your medication.

Call your pharmacist for refills at least one week before you run out of your medication to ensure you receive it before you need it.

Ask your pharmacist for an information sheet on your medication. Pharmacy handouts include all the important things you need to know about your medication. Keep this information on file for future reference.

Don’t share your medication with other people. The dose may not be right, or they could be allergic to your medication.

Keep your medications in a safe place where children cannot reach them.

Don’t take a medication if it looks or smells different than your normal prescription. If you have any questions about your medication or think an error has been made, call your clinic or pharmacy immediately.

Your health care providers at CentraCare Clinic invite you to become an active member of our team to ensure you continue to receive the best possible care.