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CUE CARD CONSULT #7

Writer's picture: Concise Curated CounsellingConcise Curated Counselling

Updated: Jan 12, 2024

Inhalers can get tricky, remember to reassess technique periodically.

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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, it's for my 10 year old.

RPh: Ok. What has (prescriber) told you?

Patient: They said it would help their asthma.

RPh: Ok. This medication is an inhaler called TERBUTALINE, also known as BRICANYL, and they'll use it (as directed as needed). It's in the family of what's called a short-acting beta-agonist, but basically it helps open the lungs to relieve trouble breathing when asthma acts up. Shaking is not required with this inhaler. To start, prime the inhaler by activating it once. This is done by turning the brown base one way, then the opposite way, and once you hear a click, there is a dose ready (keep it upright from this point on to avoid losing the dose). Then, have them breathe out all air in the lungs, form a tight seal with their lips around the mouthpiece and take a strong breath. It's best to rinse the mouth afterwards, to minimize side effects, which can include trembling, racing heart, and nervousness, especially if they use it frequently. If he is using another puffer that is taken regularly, or a "controller", take this one (a "reliever") 5 mins before, to ensure the controller reaches the lungs better, especially if they have trouble breathing when it's time to take the controller. It's also best to hold the breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable, to ensure it works best. Some things that could become concerns with this medication are heart problems, taking it more than prescribed, and problems with insulin, potassium, and thyroid, but there is generally no need to worry given they don't already have these issues. It lasts around 4 h, so another dose can be used if needed at that point. Keep it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: I also have asthma, and I am pregnant. Can I use it if I need it worst case?

RPh: I don't recommend sharing medications, as only what has been prescribed for you has been deemed safe for you. Also, in the case of pregnancy, there are safer options available.

Patient: Ok, good to know, 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.

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