CUE CARD CONSULT #25

Here's one you may not have seen in a while in your practice.

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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 my heart failure.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called IVABRADINE or LANCORA, and you'll take it (as directed). It's in the family of what's called sinus node inhibitor, but basically it will help your heart failure by keeping you out of the hospital. Take it with food, as it's better absorbed that way. Avoid grapefruit while taking this medication. Side effects may include slowed heart rate, high blood pressure, and spots of light; please let us or your (prescriber) know if these occur or become bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you are taking medications like amiodarone or if you are dependent on a pacemaker. This medication can be hazardous, so handle with care and do not let it come into contact with anyone else. Store it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: I am elderly; is this still appropriate?

RPh: Yes, we will just start you at a lower dose.

Patient: Ok 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.