CUE CARD CONSULT #33

Timing can be very important for this week's featured med.

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 with my low blood pressure.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called AMATINE or MIDRODRINE, and you'll use it (as directed). It's in the family of what's called an alpha-1 agonist, but basically it will help increase your blood pressure. It can be taken with or without food, but make sure you take it at least 4 hours before bedtime to avoid high blood pressure while lying down. Side effects may include goosebumps, trouble emptying your bladder, or tingling/itch; please let us or your (prescriber) know if these become bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you have cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or kidney disease. Store it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: No that's good, 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.