From the December 2006 issue

A pharmacist recently reported an error involving an electronic prescription for HUMIRA (adalimumab) 40 mg. Humira is a subcutaneous injection indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. The frequency provided on the prescription was “QOWEEK” intended to mean every other week. However, it was interpreted as every week resulting in overdoses for 9 months. While we do not know the final outcome of this patient, monoclonal antibodies can suppress the immune system and lead to serious infections. QOWEEK is a new error-prone abbreviation that we should avoid. When prescribing or transcribing, be clear and write out “every other week” in its entirety.