If you’re like us, you’ve always assumed that pharmacists had a magical power that allowed them to decipher whatever was written on your prescription. But what if they don’t? Can your doctor’s bad handwriting lead to costly medical mistakes? Sure, according to the USDA there are 7,000 deaths a year caused by drug errors, and a quarter of those are likely caused by drug name mix-ups.

The Wall Street Journal Health Blog points us to a contest to decipher some especially bad prescriptions. We can’t read them. Can you? Either way, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about what he’s prescribing. That way, you’ll notice if you get Zantac instead of Xanax.—MEGHANN MARCO

If U Cn Reed This, U Coud Bee a Phrmcst [WSJ Health Blog]

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