The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) is launching an information and awareness campaign aimed at patients and their sick relatives through the distribution of a poster recalling the four key rules to limit the risk of error. They will be distributed in pharmacies.
Too many reports of medication errors having been reported to the ANSM, the institution decided to inform and educate the general public on a responsible use of medicines.
The majority of errors occur in patients’ homes and are made by the patients themselves or by a member of their family, including parents. These errors mainly concern infants and children aged 2 to 11 because their medications are often given using pipettes, cups, droppers or measuring spoons. Of the reported medication error reports, more than a third resulted in an adverse reaction, half of which were serious adverse reactions.
Misunderstandings
Most often, the ANSM has observed that medication errors are due to misunderstandings of the terms of use of the device supplied or even of the prescription (administration for example of X pipettes or syringes instead of X prescribed drops), or the device administration due, for example, to the presence of a double graduation or a lack of legibility.
The four key rules to limit the risk of error
The ANSM reminds that a medication given corresponds to an administration device and that it is imperative to follow it. These devices are not universal and are specific to the drug with which they were delivered.
The patient should always keep the administration set with the corresponding medication to avoid confusion.
And in case of doubt, whether on the use of the administration device or on the prescription, it is essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional,
The campaign reminds that finally, it is essential to always read the information leaflet before any use.
The ANSM also reminds that patients can always report any adverse effect to their regional pharmacovigilance center. For more information : Report an adverse reaction
