Medication Errors—Iron

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes.

Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Too much iron can damage your body. Taking too many iron supplements can cause iron poisoning. Some people have an inherited disease called hemochromatosis. It causes too much iron to build up in the body.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Anemia caused by low iron — infants and toddlers (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Ferritin blood test (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Iron deficiency anemia (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Iron in diet (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Serum iron test (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Taking iron supplements (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Total iron binding capacity (Medical Encyclopedia)

Medicines cure infectious diseases, prevent problems from chronic diseases, and ease pain. But medicines can also cause harmful reactions if not used correctly. Errors can happen in the hospital, at the doctor’s office, at the pharmacy, or at home. You can help prevent errors by

• Knowing your medicines. Keep a list of the names of your medicines, how much you take, and when you take them. Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements and herbs. Take this list to all your doctor visits.
• Reading medicine labels and following the directions. Don’t take medications prescribed for someone else.
• Taking extra caution when giving medicines to children.
• Asking questions. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Why am I taking this medicine?
• What are the common problems to watch out for?
• What should I do if they occur?
• When should I stop this medicine?
• Can I take this medicine with the other medicines on my list?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• 6 Tips to Avoid Medication Mistakes (Food and Drug Administration)
• How and when to get rid of unused medicines (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Keeping your medications organized (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Medication safety during your hospital stay (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Medication safety: Filling your prescription (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Storing your medicines (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Taking medicine at home – create a routine (Medical Encyclopedia)