CUE CARD CONSULT #24

We have a fairly rare one for you this week.

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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 with my chest pain.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE or IMDUR, and you'll take it (as directed). It's in the family of what's called a long-acting nitrate and vasodilator, but basically it will help your angina. You can take it either with or without food. Side effects may include headache (which dissipates after a few weeks), dizziness, flushing, and tolerance if taken too frequently (need to take an 8-12 hour break every day); please let us or your (prescriber) know if these become bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you are taking medications like Viagra or if you have very low blood pressure or heart rate. Store it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: Can I split this medication and take half a dose if I am having too many side effects?

RPh: Yes, you can divide it along the score line.

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.