What are medication errors?

Medication errors are any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient or consumer. Such events may be related to professional practice, health care products, procedures and systems including: product labeling, packaging and nomenclature; order communication; prescribing; use; administration; distribution; compounding; dispensing; monitoring; and education. Pharmacists as well may be held responsible for medication errors.