[lou_lou]

Drug Name Confusion: Preventing Medication Errors

always double check your medicines -
I spoke with a pharmacist to ask him why they did not have a warning about the horrid side effects of MIRAPEX
for the poor informed patients -aka - new lab rats -
ie: restless leg patients unaware...

the pharmacist said "That information should be told to the patients from the DOCTORS...we can not put a warming label on the medicine unless we are told to by the manufacturer."

be aware please~
tena



By Carol Rados

The Problems
The XYZs of Naming Drugs
Satisfying the FDA
Fixing the Problems


An 8-year-old died, it was suspected, after receiving methadone instead of methylphenidate, a drug used to treat attention deficit disorders.


A 19-year-old man showed signs of potentially fatal complications after he was given clozapine instead of olanzapine, two drugs used to treat schizophrenia.

And a 50-year-old woman was hospitalized after taking Flomax, used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, instead of Volmax, used to relieve bronchospasm.

In each of these cases reported to the Food and Drug Administration, the names of the dispensed drugs looked or sounded like those that were prescribed. There have been others: Serzone, an antidepressant, for Seroquel, used to treat schizophrenia, and iodine for Lodine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Adverse events that can occur when drugs are dispensed as the wrong medications underscore the need for clear interpretation and better communication between the doctors who write prescriptions and the pharmacists who fill them. The FDA says that about 10 percent of all medication errors reported result from drug name confusion.

"These errors are not usually due to incompetence," says Carol A. Holquist, R.Ph., director of the Division of Medication Errors and Technical Support in the FDA's Office of Drug Safety. "But they are so underreported because people are afraid of the blame." Errors occur at all levels of the medication-use system, from prescribing to dispensing, Holquist says, which is why those people who receive the prescriptions must take action, too. "Everybody has a role in minimizing medication errors," she says.

The Problems

Medication errors can occur between brand names, generic names, and brand-to-generic names like Toradol and tramadol. But sometimes, medication errors involve more than just name similarities. Abbreviations, acronyms, dose designations, and other symbols used in medication prescribing also have the potential for causing problems.

For example, the abbreviation "D/C" means both "discharge" and "discontinue." The National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCCMERP) notes that patients' medications have been stopped prematurely when D/C--intended to mean discharge--was misinterpreted as discontinue because it was followed by a list of drugs.

Illegible handwriting, unfamiliarity with drug names, newly available products, similar packaging or labeling, and incorrect selection of a similar name from a computerized product list, all compound the problem. And, although some drug names and symbols may not necessarily sound alike or look alike, they could cause confusion in prescribing errors when handwritten or communicated verbally, according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

For example, Holquist says that several errors have occurred involving mix-ups with the oral diabetes drug Avandia and the anticoagulant Coumadin. Although they don't look similar when typed or printed, the names have been confused with each other when poorly written in cursive. The first "A" in Avandia, if not fully formed, can look like a "C," and the final "a" has appeared to be an "n."

The XYZs of Naming Drugs

Names are part of developing a new drug. And coming up with a catchy, snappy moniker that distinguishes one drug from another isn't easy. For the most part, drug companies want a name that will boost sales, while consumers long for some indication from the name of what the drug does. The FDA, however, won't allow names that imply medical claims, suggest a use for which a drug isn't approved, or promise more than they can deliver.

Naming a drug can be as complicated as creating a rhythmic cacophony of unpronounceable syllables and emphatic-sounding letters, such as C and P. Other naming strategies include letters that when strung together sound like something high-tech--think Zyprexa, Lexapro, and Xanax.

But whether it's the sound of certain letters that manufacturers like, or the vision that a name conjures up, the FDA says that selection must take into account concerns for reducing errors and for avoiding trademark infringement.

Because of today's tough trademark requirements, many drug companies are turning to a growing industry of "naming" consultants for the task. These consultants are charged with creating a unique name that will appeal to both doctors and patients, particularly given the recent surge in direct-to-consumer advertising.

to finish reading this article ~

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=53208

[lou_lou]

Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Generic Name: Carbidopa/Levodopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets (CAR-bih-doe-puh/LEE-voe-doe-puh)Brand Name: Parcopa

Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets is used for:
Treating symptoms associated with Parkinson disease and parkinsonism-like symptoms caused by other conditions. It may also be used to treat certain conditions as determined by your doctor.

Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets is an antidyskinetic combination. Levodopa is transformed by the body and the brain into a substance which helps to decrease tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson disease. Carbidopa helps levodopa to reach the brain.

Do NOT use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets
you have narrow-angle glaucoma, undiagnosed skin growths, skin cancer, or a history of skin cancer
you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have an irregular heartbeat, heart disease, ulcer, mental/mood disorders, seizures, blood pressure problems, asthma, lung problems, liver or kidney problems, blood or hormone problems, stomach or intestinal bleeding, phenylketonuria, glaucoma, or history of heart attack
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Butyrophenones, (eg, haloperidol), isoniazid, papaverine, phenothiazines (eg, phenergan), phenytoin, or risperidone because they may decrease the medicine's effectiveness
MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because risk of severe high blood pressure may be increased
Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because risk of high blood pressure or unusual muscle movements may be increased
Metoclopramide because side effects may occur
Blood pressure medicines or selegiline because risk of severe dizziness on standing may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets:
Use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Remove the tablet from the bottle with dry hands. Place the tablet on top of your tongue, allow it to dissolve, and then swallow.
Carefully follow the dosing schedule given to you by your health care provider. It may take several weeks to a few months to notice benefit from use because the dose is carefully adjusted over time.
If you are also taking iron salts (eg, ferrous sulfate), do not take them within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Check with your doctor if you have questions
Take Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets at the same times each day will help you to remember to take it.
If you have been taking levodopa, do not start taking Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets until at least 12 hours after your final dose of levodopa.
Continue to take Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets.

Important safety information:
Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
Do not suddenly stop taking Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Some conditions may become worse when Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered by your doctor to avoid side effects.
Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Gradually increase physical activity as your symptoms improve.
A dark color (red, brown, or black) may appear in your saliva, urine, or sweat after taking Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. This is not harmful.
The effects of Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets might start to wear off between doses. Talk with your doctor if Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets stops working well or if your condition worsens.
Some of these products contain phenylalanine. If you must have a diet that is low in phenylalanine, ask your pharmacist if it is in your product.
Diabetes patients -- Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Diabetes patients - Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets may cause the results of some tests for urine ketones to be wrong. Ask your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets.
Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts and liver function tests, may be performed while you use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets while pregnant. It is not known if Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Confusion; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; taste changes; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; urinary tract infection; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in vomit; chest pain; confusion; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; muscle pain or unusual stiffness; severe abdominal pain; severe lightheadedness or fainting; sore throat; thoughts of suicide; unexplained fever or sweating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or painful movements or spasms of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands, or legs; vision changes (blurred/double vision); yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at

1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets:
Store Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:
If you have any questions about Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Parcopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: August 1, 2007
Database Edition 07.3.1.002
Copyright © 2007 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

they do not use the name of the sugar - which is phenylalanine or aspertame?
but it is still in it!
I also asked the pharmacist on this question - he said - yes it does contain that.
see more info on this -
http://www.drugs.com/cdi/parcopa-ora...g-tablets.html
all that is mentioned is do not use if you have - phenylketonuria,
extremely allergic - death caused by this druglike fake sugar -phenelalanine! aka aspartame