Drug Errors: Common Mistakes, Risks, and How to Stay Safe

When you take a pill, you expect it to help—not hurt. But drug errors, mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or taking medication that can lead to harm. Also known as medication errors, they’re one of the leading causes of preventable injury in hospitals and homes alike. These aren’t just rare accidents. They happen because of simple oversights: mixing up similar-looking pills, forgetting you’re on blood thinners before a dental visit, or not telling your doctor you’re taking ashwagandha with your thyroid medicine.

Drug interactions, when two or more medications affect each other’s safety or effectiveness. Also known as medication interactions, it’s not just about pills—supplements like CoQ10 or herbal remedies like ashwagandha can throw off your blood pressure or thyroid levels. Even something as common as antacids can slash antibiotic absorption by 90%. And then there’s pediatric overdose, when children accidentally ingest adult doses of meds like acetaminophen or opioids. Also known as child drug overdose, it’s often silent until it’s too late—no crying, no vomiting, just a slow, deadly drop in liver function. These aren’t edge cases. They’re everyday risks hiding in plain sight.

Many drug errors happen because people assume their meds are safe if they’re over-the-counter or natural. But a supplement isn’t harmless just because it’s sold in a health food store. A corticosteroid might seem fine on its own, but combine it with an NSAID and you’re risking a stomach ulcer. A beta-blocker might control your blood pressure, but if you’re also taking a calcium channel blocker like verapamil for nerve pain, the combo could slow your heart too much. Even your insurance plan can play a role—switching from a brand-name NTI drug like levothyroxine to a generic without proper monitoring can cause dangerous hormone swings.

You don’t need to be a medical expert to avoid these mistakes. You just need to ask the right questions: Did my doctor know about my supplements? Am I taking this with food or without? Is this pill the same as the one I took last month? And if something feels off—dizziness, weird heartbeat, sudden fatigue—don’t wait. Call your pharmacist. Call Poison Control. Don’t Google it.

The posts below cover real cases, real risks, and real fixes. From why people mislabel penicillin allergies to how CPAP users miss doses because the mask doesn’t fit, you’ll find practical advice from people who’ve been there. No fluff. No jargon. Just what you need to keep yourself and your family safe when taking meds.