May 31, 2016: SafeMedicationUse.ca Newsletter -
Misconceptions about Medicines That Could Be Deadly: Part 2
In the second part of this series, we highlight another misconception that was identified in an ISMP Canada analysis of errors with medicines that resulted in death. Misconception Two: If one is good, two will be better.
When it comes to medicines, the idea that "more is better" is a dangerous misconception. This misconception has led some people to take large amounts of a medicine, thinking the extra dose will lead to greater relief or faster action. Some people may also think that nonprescription medicines or those applied to the skin are unlikely to cause harm. However, taking the right amount of any medicine—no more, no less—is critical. Through work with provincial agencies that investigate unexpected deaths, ISMP Canada learned of a tragic incident in which too much of a particular medicine resulted in death. Read more...
