What's In a Name? Know Your Drug Names by Heart

These four tips will help you keep your meds straight.

By: AARP Outreach and Services | Source: AARP.org |  | October 30, 2007

Prescription drugs often have names that are long, difficult to remember, spell, and pronounce. And to confuse people even more, the name for one medication is often very close to the name of another drug. This is bad news. Numerous medication mix-ups have been made because one drug name has sounded like that of another drug or when written look very much like another medication. And these mistakes have put patients' health at risk.

Unfortunately, a medicine mix up can happen by even the best of health professionals. A nurse may not hear a doctor clearly and so deliver the wrong medication to a patient. Or a busy pharmacist may misread a prescription and fill the order with the wrong medication.

Sounds Alike, Spelled Alike: Is That Drug Really Your Prescribed Drug?

 Don't panic. You can ensure that you're getting the right medication by following these tips:

• Get the correct spelling and ask your doctor or your pharmacist for the proper pronunciation of the medication(s).
• Ask your doctor to write on the prescription the medical problem for which you're taking the drug. For example, "for sinus" or "for backache." This helps the pharmacist ensure that no mix-ups occur. It is also a helpful note for you to remember, especially if you take multiple medications.
• Keep a list of all of your medications. Write clearly. Keep your record in your wallet or purse and give a copy to your doctor, pharmacist, and loved ones. You can download a personal medication record from AARP.
• Double-check the names on your prescription drug label. Before you leave the pharmacy, check the prescription label. Is it the right medication and dosage that your doctor prescribed?