Addiction & Dependence
A chronic disease where a person compulsively uses a drug despite harm.
Addiction
An unintended, harmful response to a drug given at normal doses.
Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)
An error caused because key patient or drug information, like allergies, is missing.
Incomplete Information
Writing or entering the wrong information on a prescription or patient record.
Docuentation Error
A special FDA program that adds extra steps, like training and monitoring, to reduce serious risks of certain medicines.
REMS (Risk Evalation & Mitigation Strategy)
When the body needs higher doses of a drug to get the same effect.
Drug Tolerance
An injury from a medication that happens because of a preventable mistake.
Adverse Drug Eror
A mistake that happens because staff assume something is true without checking, like assuming a dose is correct.
Incorrect Assumption Error
Writing or entering the wrong information on a prescription or patient record.
Extra Dose Error
A REMS program for isotretinoin that helps prevent birth defects by controlling who can prescribe, fill, and receive the drug.
Ipledge Program
The body has adapted to a drug and has withdrawal if it is stopped suddenly.
Physical Dependence
A broad term for a preventable event that causes or leads to inappropriate medication use or patient harm.
Medication Error
Failing to teach a patient how to take their medication safely, leading to misuse.
Medication Education Error
Failing to give a prescribed medication at all.
Omission Error
A patient-friendly handout required by the FDA for some drugs that explains uses, risks, and important instructions.
MedGuide (Medication Guide)
Emotional or mental craving for a drug, even without physical withdrawal.
Pscholoical Dependence
A national reporting system where healthcare workers report serious side effects and product problems to the FDA.
MedWatch
When a patient does not take their medication as prescribed, either by skipping or changing doses.
Medication Noncompliance
Putting the wrong drug name, strength, or directions on the medication label.
Mislabeling Error
A structured method used after an error to find the underlying causes and how to prevent it next time.
Root-Cause Analysis
A program that supports pharmacists struggling with addiction so they can recover and return to safe practice.
Pharmacist Recovery Network(PRN)
A system where hospitals anonymously report medication errors to analyze trends and improve safety.
MEDMARX
The legal right of a patient to say “no” to a medication or treatment, even if it is recommended.
Right of Refusal
Providing the incorrect quantity or strength of medication to the patient.
Wrong Amount Error
An organization that collects and studies patient safety data to reduce medical errors and harm.
Patient Safety Organization