Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL)
accompanying your medicine and check for interactions with any other medication
that you may be taking. If you have any concerns contact your pharmacist for
advice. Many potential side-effects will be listed in a PIL but generally
people will suffer at most only one or two minor side-effects. Some
side-effects will wear off with time and it is generally not necessary to
discontinue treatment. However if you do experience troublesome side-effects
see your doctor to discuss an alternative treatment but don’t stop taking your
medicine without medical advice.
Be aware that many herbal, vitamin and other food
supplements can interact with prescribed medication so always let your doctor
and pharmacist know if you are taking any of these.
If you forget to take a dose of your medicine, it is
generally safe to take it as soon as you remember, providing this is not within
a few hours of the time that your next dose is due, in which case you should
omit the forgotten dose and continue as normal. The patient information leaflet
with your medicine will provide advice on what to do in this situation but if
you are unsure speak to your pharmacist.
Use your medication in the order that it has been supplied
and remember to check expiry dates, particularly on medication that is used
only occasionally, e.g. GTN sprays, painkillers, creams/ointments, “reliever”
inhalers. Only order what you need on your repeat prescription as any
medication that has left the pharmacy can not be returned and used for someone
else. If you have any unused or discontinued medication take it to your
community pharmacy where they can dispose of it safely.
Always ensure that you have adequate supplies of medication
and if you are going on holiday or into hospital for a planned
operation/procedure make sure that you have sufficient supplies to cover your
stay and recovery period.
If you are admitted to hospital, bring all of your
medication with you or arrange for it to be brought in as soon as possible
after your admission. This will enable us to obtain an accurate medication
history and will avoid doses being missed if you are taking a medicine that we
do not routinely stock. It will also enable us to safely dispose of any medication
that you no longer need and top up your own supplies if they are running low.
We aim to ensure that you will have at least 2 weeks supply of any medication
that you need on discharge from hospital.
If you have any questions about your medication ask your
pharmacist!
Carolyn Adamson
Cardiac Pharmacist
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