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SafeMedicationUse Newsletter
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Removing Medicines from Original Packaging Can Lead to Errors
2011-02-22
A consumer, who occasionally suffers from allergies and nasal congestion, took 2 caplets of Allegra-D. Shortly afterwards the consumer felt anxious, experienced trembling, and had a very dry mouth. The consumer later realized these symptoms had been caused by taking the wrong dose of Allegra-D. Instead of taking 2 caplets, the consumer should have taken only one caplet.
How did this mistake happen? Many medicines are supplied in blister packs, inside an outer box. Information about how to take the medicine properly is on the outer box, but not on the blister pack. The consumer had removed the blister pack of caplets from the outer box to make it easier to carry and store the medicine. This meant that the consumer was not able to check how much medicine to take. The consumer had not taken the medicine for several months and had forgotten the correct dose.
 - Blister packs do not typically include directions for use.
It is important to take the correct dose of any medicine. The wrong dose may lead to the medicine not working properly, or to unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. To avoid mistakes, it is best to check the label and read dosing instructions every time you take a medicine. For this reason, always keep your medicines in their original packaging.
 - Outer package with directions for use.
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