{"id":355837,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/things-you-should-know-taking-prescription-medications.html"},"modified":"2023-07-26T12:55:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-26T17:55:07","slug":"things-you-should-know-taking-prescription-medications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/things-you-should-know-taking-prescription-medications.html","title":{"rendered":"Things You Should Know: Taking Prescription Medications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Things You Should Know: Taking Prescription Medications<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Prescription medications are a fact of life. So are medication errors. Between seven and nine thousand people in the U.S. die each year <\/a>due to medication errors. Many other people experience unreported adverse events. Despite this, prescription medication is essential to patient care and well-being.<\/p>\r\n

Prescription medications ease pain, get rid of infections, and treat mental health conditions. Health care providers are human, and there is room for error with prescription medication. There are also measures providers and patients can take to reduce the margins for error.<\/p>\r\n

This article explores patients’ rights and responsibilities in the context of prescription medication.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Prescription Medication<\/h2>\r\n

There are almost seven thousand <\/a>drugs available for use in the country. This includes prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs. The difference between these two types of drugs lies in our ability to get them. As the name implies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are very accessible. No one needs a prescription for OTC medications. OTC medications include painkillers, herbal supplements, and topical ointments.<\/p>\r\n

Prescribing Medications<\/h3>\r\n

Licensed medical professionals prescribe medications to treat medical conditions. Restricting certain drugs in this way helps maintain public health and patient safety. Licensed medical professionals understand how drugs work and their possible side effects.<\/p>\r\n

The primary responsibility for prescription medication lies with medical professionals. Medical professionals prescribe and dispense mediation within the scope of their practice.<\/p>\r\n

Patient Responsibilities<\/h3>\r\n

Patients also bear some responsibilities when it comes to prescription medication. Patients should ask questions if they don’t understand the purpose of a drug or how to use it. Patients are also responsible for taking their medication as prescribed.<\/p>\r\n

Failures by medical professionals or patients can lead to medication errors.<\/p>\r\n

Medication Errors<\/h3>\r\n

Medication errors are usually preventable. Medication errors harm patients "while the medication is in the control of a healthcare professional or the patient<\/a>." Medication errors include things like improper dosage or improper timing.<\/p>\r\n

Patient Rights of Medication Administration<\/h2>\r\n

Patients have several rights when it comes to prescription medication. These include rights to the following:<\/p>\r\n