What should be done if a pharmacy label is illegible?

If a pharmacy label is illegible, the appropriate action is to contact the pharmacy for clarification. This ensures that the medication can be accurately identified and that the correct dosage and instructions are confirmed. Relying on potentially incorrect information or assumptions can lead to medication errors, which may harm the patient. Clear communication with the pharmacy not only helps to resolve the ambiguity but also upholds the standards of safe medication administration.

In cases where the label is difficult to read, seeking clarification from the original source of the medication, such as the pharmacy, provides the necessary information to proceed safely. It's crucial for healthcare providers to always ensure they have complete and correct information before administering any medication to prevent errors that could impact patient health.