CUE CARD CONSULT #12

Are you familiar with what might be called the "new and improved" version of Ozempic?

Click here and scroll down for previous newsletters.

1. Pictured Counselling Cue Card: a free sample of our counselling reference

2. Patient Consultation: exactly what a pharmacist may say to a patient picking up this medication, with formatting to show where the information is coming from on the cue card

Clearly, there are nuances that may not be captured in this format. The goal here is to provide you with an example of how a pharmacist may counsel a patient. Basic counselling tactics (e.g. showing the patient the labeled medication as you read it, having the patient repeat the information in their own words, double checking allergies, and so on) may not be depicted in the interest of keeping the content concise.

RPh: Hi! Is this medication new for you?

Patient: Yes.

RPh: Ok. What has (prescriber) told you?

Patient: They said it would help me lose weight.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called TIRZEPATIDE, also known as MOUNJARO, and you'll take it (as directed). Typically it's used for diabetes, but it's also used for it's side effect of weight loss. After 4 weeks, the medication is working fully, though maximal weight loss can take longer. You have the vial and syringe version of the medication; you can use it on your abdomen (at least 2 inches away from your belly button), the top of your thighs, or upper arms (if someone is injecting it for you). Pinching is not necessary, and it should take around 5 seconds to complete the injection. You may notice some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially at first, or each time you increase your dose. Let us know right away if this becomes bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you take certain medications, such as sitagliptin, and also if you have gallbladder/pancreatic disease, have had surgery on your stomach, and it may affect birth control. Keep it refrigerated and use it immediately once punctured, however it lasts 3 weeks out of the fridge unpunctured.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: Is this one better than Ozempic? I didn't notice much weight loss with it.

RPh: It works in two ways instead of just one, so patients typically see more weight loss with it.

Patient: Thanks!

We hope you have found this useful, and please reply to this email with any feedback or topic suggestions you can. It will be the key to making this newsletter the best it can be.