CUE CARD CONSULT #40

A rarer med and indication 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: It's for my child's Raynaud's.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called PLENDIL or FELODIPINE, and you'll use it (as directed). It's in the family of what's called a calcium channel blocker, but basically it will help with your Raynaud's. You can take it with or without food, though high fat/carb meals can increase absorption which may increase side effects. Avoid grapefruit at all times when taking this medication, and do not crush or chew this medication. It can take 4 weeks for the full effect. Side effects may include dizziness, swelling around your ankles (take it at bedtime to minimize this), and constipation; please let us or your (prescriber) know if these become bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you have bad heart failure or aortic stenosis. Store it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: This is actually for my 8-year-old; is it still safe?

RPh: Yes, it's considered safe down to 6 years old.

Patient: Great thanks!

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