You or someone in your family could end up taking the wrong medication. Not because you picked up the wrong bottle, but because the wrong medication was in the bottle.
Recently, a New Jersey CVS admitted it gave a breast cancer drug to children in up to 50 families instead of the fluoride tablets the children were prescribed.
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There are some things you can do to avoid suffering a medication mistake at the pharmacy.
First, when you pick up your pills and they look different, do not take them before checking.
"Pharmacists are there to make sure you get your medication safely and answer all your questions," said pharmacist James Kalus.
You should have a clear idea of what every medication you take looks like, especially its shape, color, and the imprint on it. Write it down so you can check it when you pick up refills. Also, pay attention to the dosage and name on the bottle label.
Know your body and do not ignore side effects. If you are experiencing different side effects, there is a chance there is something different about your medicine. Maybe you were given a different dose, or maybe the wrong pill all together.
Finally, if you inadvertently get the wrong medication or take the wrong pill at the wrong time, it is important that you save the pill and bring it with you or have it available when you call your doctor, your pharmacy, poison control, or the emergency room.