SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- 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 pairs the 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.
For more information about Epocrates, to speak with a company representative or clinician, please contact Erica Sniad Morgenstern at pr@epocrates.com or 650-227-6907.
ABOUT EPOCRATES
Epocrates, Inc. develops clinical information and decision support tools that enable healthcare professionals to find answers more quickly and confidently at the point of care. More than 500,000 healthcare professionals, including one in four U.S. physicians, use Epocrates' innovative mobile and web-based products to help them reduce medical errors, improve patient care and increase productivity. The company's trusted clinical content is developed by physicians and pharmacists and is continuously updated to keep users informed and up-to-date. For more information about Epocrates, please visit epocrates.com/company
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