Malpractice News: Dangers of Drug Names With Similar Names

Malpractice News: According to a study conducted by U.S. Pharmacopeia, nearly 1,500 commonly prescribed drugs have trade names so similar that patients who are prescribed these drugs are at risk for prescription error mistakes.

Experts claim that approximately 1.5 million Americans are harmed each year from medication errors. Nearly one-fourth of the errors are attributed to a patient being given the wrong medication because of a prescription drug name error.

In August 2008, U.S. Pharmacopeia launched a web-based tool to assist healthcare professionals, pharmacists and patients to check prescription drugs for possible confusion with a drug with a similar name. The site can be accessed at http://www.usp.org/.

In addition to the Pharmacopeia site, the Institute for Safe Medicine Practices announced it will be launching a patient-focused Web site in late 2008. Individuals will be able to register for e-mail alerts about the medications they are taking.

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