Name confusion between prostate, esophagitis drugs is causing errors

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has reported medication errors due to name confusion between dexlansoprazole (Kapidex) and bicalutamide (Casodex).

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat erosive esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, while bicalutamide is used in combination therapy to treat metastatic prostate carcinoma, and is contraindicated in women. Patients who receive either drug because of a name mixup could experience unintended drug effects or adverse events.

The institute suggests several strategies to avoid name confusion:

• Take the time to verify written or verbal orders.
• Build an alert into your computer system, and consider adding this pair of drugs to your list of confusing drug names.
• Include the drug’s purpose when writing prescriptions.