Ikris Pharma Network

Tips for Patient

Medicines play a crucial role in improving health, managing conditions, and enabling better quality of life. When used as prescribed, the benefits of medicines generally outweigh potential risks. However, medication errors—preventable mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, administering, or using medicines—can harm patients or lead to inappropriate medication use. Medication errors can occur in clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and at home, and they contribute to a substantial burden on healthcare systems. In India, it is estimated that over 5.2 million medication errors and related injuries occur each year, many of which can lead to preventable hospitalizations if not avoided through safe practices.

Patients and caregivers can play an important role in preventing medication errors and ensuring medicine safety by following these key tips: Be an Active Partner in Your Care: Talk openly with your healthcare team. Ask questions about your condition, prescribed medicines, and any potential side effects. Understand how each medicine should be taken. Clarify dosage, timing, route, and duration with your doctor or pharmacist. Read medicine labels carefully and follow the instructions exactly as prescribed. Safe Handling and Storage of Medicines: Store medicines exactly as advised by the prescribing doctor or pharmacist to maintain their quality and effectiveness. Protect medicines from exposure to heat, direct sunlight, or moisture, especially in Indian climates where high temperatures are common. Follow recommended storage conditions for temperature-sensitive or refrigerated medicines. Check packaging integrity before use. Do not use medicines with damaged seals or labels. Do not use medicines beyond the prescribed duration or expiry date. Avoid Unsupervised Changes: Never alter dosage, timing, or storage conditions without consulting your treating physician. If you experience any difficulty with your medicines—such as side effects, confusion about instructions, missing doses, or storage concerns—contact your healthcare provider immediately. Patients receiving medicines under a Named Patient Program have a shared responsibility to maintain medicine safety alongside their healthcare providers. Your vigilance and active participation help minimize preventable errors, support effective treatment outcomes, and protect the health and wellbeing of yourself and others. Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) Medication Without Harm – Global Patient Safety Challenge Journal of the Association of Society for Patient Safety in India (JASPI)- Medication Errors in India: A Systematic Review Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India- Patient Safety and Quality of Care Initiatives Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI)- Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)- Regulatory Guidance on Drug Safety and Handling Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)- Medication Safety for Patients