prevent mix-ups due to drug names that sound or look alike

November 2001

Renewed efforts are now underway to prevent mix-ups due to drug names that sound or look alike.

Confusion in drug names accounts for about 15% of med errors.

There are over 750 confusingly similar drug names...the new analgesic Procet and Percocet...Panlor DC and Pamelor...Celebrex and Celexa...Lantus and Lente insulin...Lamisil and Lamictal...Plavix and Paxil...Aricept and Aciphex...Singulair and Sinequan...and on and on.

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prevent mix-ups due to drug names that sound or look alike
Infectious Diseases Augmentin ES-600 for treating recurrent or persistent otitis media in children
Infectious Diseases Intron A is effective for treating ACUTE hepatitis C
appropriate use of inhaled steroids for treating persistent asthma
Women's Health NuvaRing, the first contraceptive vaginal ring
Gastroenterology Entocort EC, a new ORAL form of budesonide for Crohn's disease
Gastroenterology H. pylori infection increases the risk of gastric cancer
Diabetes Consumer Reports has just released their evaluation of blood glucose meters and lancets
Diabetes The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now has new security measures regarding syringe needles and lancets
SSRIs can prevent heart attacks
diphenhydramine decreases cognitive function in elderly patients
Anemia Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa), the new longer-acting erythropoietin analog for anemia
Ophthalmology certain antioxidants and zinc can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration
Ophthalmology Topamax might cause vision problems
Supplements glucosamine might be causing elevated cholesterol and blood pressure
Supplements Vitamin B12 deficiency can often be treated with ORAL supplements
Neurology & Pain big push to avoid using Demerol (meperidine)
Practice drugs for bioterrorism (anthrax, etc)...a patient-handout version

prevent mix-ups due to drug names that sound or look alike

Get concise advice on drug therapy, plus unlimited access to CE

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