Beware pitfalls of electronic prescribing
Q. My son was prescribed amoxicillin for an ear infection. The prescription was sent electronically to the pharmacist. The pharmacy gave us prednisone with the wrong doctor’s name on the script. Even the address was wrong.
The pharmacy clerk tried to talk me into taking the prednisone. Then she said there were two meds that were prescribed – amoxicillin and prednisone.
The pharmacist finally called the doctor to confirm the prescription (which was for amoxicillin). The pharmacist explained the problem as “computer error.”
Our doctor will not give me a paper prescription anymore because the office just transmits it electronically. I think from now on I’ll ask the doctor to write down for me the medicine and the dose. That way, I will make sure what I pick up at the pharmacy is what the doctor prescribed.
A. Even the best computer programs rely on humans for input and interpretation, and that unfortunately still leaves room for mistakes. It is unconscionable that the pharmacy tech tried to cover up the mistake and give you the wrong drug.
Your idea of getting the name and dose of the medicine written down for you is excellent. We suggest that everyone who gets a prescription called in, faxed in or electronically transmitted make sure to have all the details on the drug in writing before leaving the doctor’s office.
Q. My husband takes Actos, metformin and glyburide for type 2 diabetes, Lipitor for cholesterol and Diovan HCT for high blood pressure.
The doctor prescribed vitamin B-12 because my husband is low in this vitamin. He can’t get up the stairs without me behind him, pushing. He can’t stand up to work on anything for more than half an hour. When he stands still, he gets dizzy and teeters. As a result, he drags a chair around or uses a walker to go anywhere. He has bad cramps in his lower legs. Could any of his drugs cause the vitamin B-12 problem?
A. Metformin is useful for treating type 2 diabetes but can lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency. Lack of this vitamin can cause fatigue, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling of hands and feet), trouble walking and confusion.
Lipitor may lead to leg cramps and weakness, while the diuretic HCT in Diovan HCT may interfere with good blood sugar control.
Your husband’s doctor may need to evaluate his treatment regimen, given his symptoms. To prepare for his next visit, we would like to send you our book “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy,” with more information about treating type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. It is available in libraries, bookstores and online ( www.peoplespharmacy.com).
Q. After reading all the complaints about Ambien, I would like to put in a good word for this sleeping pill. I’ve had trouble sleeping all my life. When I finally fell asleep, I had a hard time waking up.
A year ago, my doctor prescribed Ambien. I only need half a pill to give me solid sleep. I wake up easily, feeling refreshed.
Before this, I couldn’t go walking because I wasn’t able to get up early to beat the Florida heat. Now I walk a mile and a half every morning and feel great! I also work in the garden, paint, make quilts and knit. Ambien has changed my life for the better.
A. Like you, many do get a good night’s sleep on Ambien (zolpidem). Others have reported sleepwalking or sleep-driving, which can be dangerous.