Mixing up drugs

Lately I’ve been hearing about new studies on medical errors.  You know, surgery done on the wrong knee, the wrong drug is given to you, incorrect advice.  It’s startling to know how often it happens, which is why it’s important to find a doctor you trust, and to double check the information for yourself (which is why you’re here!).

One mistake is becoming so bad in the USA that a drug company is launching a campaign to make people aware.  The problem is that two drugs are getting mixed up.  The two are:

Both Topamax and Toprol-XL (a beta blocker) are used for migraine.  But obviously, even if you’re taking them for the same condition, confusing the two can be very dangerous.

When your doctor prescribes your medication, make sure she tells you what it is, and doesn’t just hand you a piece of paper.  Double check at the pharmacy that you’re getting the right thing.  This is one medical error we can do something about.