CUE CARD CONSULT #23

You've been wondering how our Counselling Cue Cards can refine your medication counselling. Below we've included an in-practice example of how this may be useful. Each card follows the same structure and color code. Remember you can always review our "How to" page on the website to refresh and get familiar with our legends.

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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 help with my ADHD.

RPh: Ok. This medication is called GUANFACINE or INTUNIV XR, and you'll take it (as directed). It's in the family of what's called an alpha-agonist, but basically it will help your ADHD in terms of sleep disruptions, impulsivity, aggression, and other symptoms except for inattention. You can take it either with or without food, but avoid fatty meals as this can lead to side effects as it will increase absorption. Side effects may include drowsiness, headache, and fatigue; please let us or your (prescriber) know if these become bothersome. This medication may not be right for you if you have low blood pressure or slow heart rate. One advantage of this medication is that there is no real potential for abuse (unlike stimulants). Store it at room temperature.

RPh: Did you have any questions?

Patient: 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.