SAN MATEO, CALIF., January 29, 2008
Epocrates Helps Clinicians Avoid Dangerous “Look-Alike, Sound-Alike” Drug Errors
Company takes action in response to new report on drug name confusion
Prednisone and Primidone. At first glance, they might sound and look similar, but the first drug reduces inflammation and the latter controls seizures. On the heels of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) MEDMARX Data Report released today revealing errors linked to drug name confusion, Epocrates, Inc. is announcing its popular mobile and online clinical solutions will include crucial clarification for drugs that look and/or sound alike.
According to MEDMARX, the nation’s largest database of medication errors, look-alike and sound-alike drugs are among the main causes of medication errors. This year’s MEDMARX report reveals that between 2003 and 2006 more than 1,400 different drugs were involved in errors linked to similar brand and/or generic names. Most notably, each of the top 10 most prescribed drugs in America is commonly confused with at least one other drug.
“It is imperative clinicians are aware of this issue and use available resources to double check drug information when prescribing,” said Darrell Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D., chief science officer, USP, a nonprofit, nongovernmental, standards-setting organization.
Prior to the release of the MEDMARX report, Epocrates began working with USP to incorporate warnings about the more than 3,100 drug pairsthe USP identified that look and/or sound alike into its free drug databases as a testament to the Company’s commitment to patient safety. Currently, one in four U.S. physicians use Epocrates’ software to help reduce drug errors by checking accurate dosing or identifying potential interactions and side effects before prescribing.
Epocrates supports MEDMARX’s recommendation to include an “indication of use” on prescriptions (e.g., “for hypertension”). Additionally, other preventive recommendations to avoid drug confusion include prescribing by generic name, repeating and spelling out verbal orders and educating patients about their medications.
PRESS CONTACT: (650) 227-1700 ext. 3 pr@epocrates.com