CUE CARD CONSULT #28

A common one for you this month, to keep you sharp.

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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 lower my blood pressure.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called RAMIPRIL or ALTACE, and you'll take it (as directed). It's in the family of what's called an ACE inhibitor, but basically it will lower your blood pressure, which will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. You can take it with or without food. Side effects may include dizziness, headache, and dry cough; please let us or your (prescriber) know if these occur or become bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you have high potassium or kidney problems. Store it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: Is this safe in pregnancy?

RPh: No it is not, we would need to switch it to something more appropriate in pregnancy in that case.

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.