Always double check drug labels when you pick up prescriptions
When you get a prescription filled, remember Mr. Gower.
Heartbroken over the death of his son, pharmacist Gower consoles himself with alcohol while on the job. His assistant, young George Bailey, spots a mistake in a prescription and avoids poisoning a customer.
This scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a highly dramatized version of what goes on in pharmacies every day.
My friend Chris sent me a shocking news item about a pregnant woman who received another customer’s prescription–a cancer drug with a known side effect of potential pregnancy termination. She had the same last name and a similar first name as the person who should have received the prescription.
Fortunately, her pregnancy wasn’t terminated, but she did take one of the pills and the experience (which required an ER visit) was traumatizing.
To me, what’s most remarkable about this article is the comments section where readers share details about their own experiences. It’s scary to see how many people have had similar mix-ups at pharmacies.
That’s why you have to take the responsibility on yourself–before you swallow a single pill. Always read the label and prescribing information that comes with any prescription– and compare it to what your doctor prescribed.
If there’s a shadow of a doubt, get those pills straight back to the pharmacy.
Source:
“Safeway Pharmacist Accidentally Gives Abortion-Inducing Drug to Pregnant Woman” Chris Morran, The Consumerist, 2/8/11, consumerist.com
