Medication Errors Happen

A medication error is a preventable mistake that happens with a medication. Examples including wrong drug, wrong person, or receiving a medication to which you are allergic.

We learn from all errors, even if you catch it before you take the medication, or if you do take it and it doesn’t cause any harm.

A reaction is an unwanted effect that happens when the medication is used as directed. Reactions are sometimes called side effects. Unlike a medication error, a reaction generally doesn’t involve a mistake and typically can’t be prevented. Examples include nausea, rash, sleepiness, cough, and can also be more serious like liver damage.

Each report you make contributes to a larger effort to understand and address why medication incidents happen. Your report can help healthcare providers make safety improvements. When you report a medication error to ISMP Canada, our experts review it. We may recommend safer practices to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Your report is vital to improving medication safety in Canada.

To see examples of how reports make a difference, see Our Impact

ISMP Canada will:

• confidentially analyze your report.
• reply to you if you provided your contact information.
• develop recommendations that are designed to prevent mistakes with medications.
• provide information and tips about medication safety.

ISMP Canada will not:

• Investigate a complaint on your behalf regarding an organization or health provider that may be responsible for an error.

If you have concerns about the safety of your care, you are encouraged to first speak with your health care provider or someone involved in your care, such as a supervisor or manager. You may also contact the appropriate regulator, e.g., the College of Pharmacists in your province or territory, if your concerns are not addressed. Information on what to do to resolve a concern about the safety of your care is available on the websites of Healthcare Excellence Canada and Patients for Patient Safety Canada.

You will have the option to provide ISMP Canada with your contact information in case we have questions about your report. ISMP Canada will not contact you unless we need more information for follow-up purposes.

Yes. If you’re unable to use the reporting form, please call us at 416-733-3131 or toll free at 1-866-544-7672. Another way to reach us is via email at mederror@ismpcanada.ca with your name, phone number, and best time to reach you. Please do not include any details of your medication error. After receiving your phone call or email, we’ll aim to return your call within five business days. Your voice matters, and we strive to make the reporting process accessible for everyone.

For Additional FAQs, see Frequently Asked Questions.