Everyone has a role in helping prevent medication errors. Below are some things you can do as a pharmacist to help safeguard your patients’ health:

1. Remember to ask your patients about any medications they may be taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
2. Help educate your patients about medications. Make sure they:
• Know whether it is a brand or generic drug.
• Know about any side effects or drug interactions, and what to do if they occur.
• Know how and when to take the medication.
• Know how long they should take the medication.
• Know what to do if they forget a dose.
3. Encourage patients to read the information you give them about the medication. You also may want to refer members to Aetna’s online health information affiliate, Aetna InteliHealth^SM, at www.intelihealth.com, for additional information.
4. Remind them never to share their prescription medications or take medications prescribed for someone else.
5. Advise them to check the expiration dates on all their medications and throw away those that have expired.
6. Inform them of how to properly store their medication, whether in cool (room temperature), dry cabinet or in the refrigerator.
7. Ask if they would like child-proof caps, and remind them to keep all medications out of the reach of children.