A message from Dr Howard Burgess, Medical Director of Sparrow Pharmacy

Medicines are an important part of keeping people healthy. Medicines can be life saving. In America four of five adults take at least one medicine each week. One of three adults takes five different medicines. Some patients coming to the hospital take as many as twenty medicines at home.

Medicines can also be confusing. Patients can be confused about the names of drugs, what they are supposed to do, how much to take and when to take them. And we can be confused about when to stop taking one drug and start taking another.

Here at Sparrow, the doctors, nurses and pharmacists are working hard to make sure that medicines are safe. We always check to make sure that the drugs we give you are safe with your allergies. We have a new machine to make sure your medicine be delivered only to you. Soon we will buy bedside scanners to be even safer.

Here’s what you can do to make medicines safer: make sure you keep a list of the medicines you take. Include things like aspirin, vitamins and herbs. Bring it with you when you come to the hospital. When you go to your doctor or see your pharmacist, update the list. Always tell us about your allergies. Ask questions if you are confused about your medicines. Make sure you know why you are taking a medicine, the right dose and when to take it.

You make us better doctors and nurses when you ask questions and when you are involved in your care. We plan to give you very good care that is safe and delivered with a loving hand. We are proud to serve you and we wish you the very best of health, and safety in taking your medicines.

Links Medication Safety Alerts A-Z Drug and Herbal Information - MedlinePlus A-Z Index to Drug Information - FDA Buying Prescription Medications on the Internet - A Consumer Safety Guide General advice on medication safety Generic Drug Information - FDA How to take your medications safely Lessons to be learned from past errors Safe Medicine Newsletter Throw away your old medications safely