*TS: 5 Sure-Fire Methods: Safely Manage Look-Alike/Sound-Alike Medications[®] [REF: MD, P&T, PtEd, RN] The Source, August 2014, Vol 8, #8, Pg 2  JCs1408_B3

MM.01.02.01 is the standard that requires a listing and safe use of look-alike/
sound-alike (LASA) medications [Pearl] A key point is that the basis for your list should go beyond look-alike medication names and also consider look-alike packaging! According to the article , “packaging was a factor in 33% of medication errors, including 30% of fatalities”.  Sound-alike determinations should also consider how staff are likely to pronounce a drug name. Beyond the use of ‘TALL man’ lettering to distinguish LASA meds, WHO recommends including both the brand and generic name of a medication when prescribing/writing orders.  Other suggestions included identifying/evaluating LASA risk factors at your hospital (e.g., illegible handwriting); minimizing the use of LASAs and reviewing your list periodically.
Tip: Further improve compliance and safety by educating patients about the issue of LASA medications and any of their own that might be on the list.