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Knowledge is the best medicine What you need to know about your medicines Inside: 1 Using your medicines safely 2 Ask your doctor or pharmacist 3 Living smart

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Using your medicines safely

What You Need to Know

33 Make sure you know exactly how to take your medicine.

When you take any medicine, whether prescribed or purchased over the counter without a prescription, you need to know:

33 Use the Medication Record in this booklet to list your medicines. Show it to your doctor or pharmacist each time you visit them.

33 What it is. 33 Why you are taking it. 33 When and how you should use it. 33 The effect it will have on you.

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Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your doctor and pharmacist are there to help. Some Helpful Hints

33 Do not expect a new prescription each time you visit your doctor. 33 Use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions. 33 Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products. 33 Before you use an over-the-counter medicine or herbal product, make sure it’s safe to use with your prescriptions. 33 Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies or have had a reaction to medicines in the past. 2

At home 33 Take your medicine exactly as directed. Too much or too little could hurt you. 33 Take your medicine at the same time each day. For example, when you eat breakfast or just before you go to bed. 33 If you forget to take your prescription medication, do not double the next dose. Call your doctor or pharmacist for advice. 33 Finish all of your prescription, even if you start to feel better. 33 Do not share your prescription medication and do not take someone else’s prescription. 33 When certain prescriptions are mixed with alcohol, the result can be harmful. Check with your doctor or pharmacist. Knowledge is the best medicine

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Using your medicines safely

Things to watch for

Keep it safe

A side effect is something that happens when a medicine affects you in a way it is not supposed to.

33 Keep your prescription in the same container it came in, with the cap closed.

Before you take any prescription, your pharmacist and doctor should tell you about side effects that might happen and how long they might last.

33 Store your prescription in a dry, cool place away from sunlight. Heat and moisture can damage the medicine.

Your doctor may want to change your prescription if the side effects are too strong. There may be a medicine that is better for you.

33 Keep medicines away from your children and pets. Put all your medicines on a high shelf or in a cupboard where they can’t see or reach them.

Ask you doctor and pharmacist which side effects you should report. Adverse reactions are more serious than side effects but happen less often. No one wants them and they can cause a lot of harm. Some examples are: • a severe allergic reaction where you struggle to breathe, have a skin rash, feel very itchy, or have swelling; • feeling faint and having a racing heart; • severe nausea or diarrhea; • depression.

If you think you are having a serious adverse reaction, seek medical attention right away. 4

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33 Put your medicine in the fridge only if it says so on the label. 33 Do not use medicine after the expiry date has passed. 33 Clean out your medicine cabinet at least once a year. Gather up medicines that are old, not in their original bottle, or have labels that are not clear. 33 Do NOT throw medicines in the garbage or flush them down the toilet. Take them to your local pharmacy. This is the only way to safely dispose of them.

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Ask your doctor or pharmacist

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You should not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable asking your doctor or pharmacist questions. They are there to help you.

The more you know about your medication, the more you become a team player in your own health care. Here are some hints

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Questions to ask when you start taking a prescription 33 What is the name of the prescription? 33 Why am I taking it? 33 Can I use this medicine safely with other medicines and treatments I am using? (Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.) 33 Will I need a refill?

33 Before you visit the doctor or pharmacist, write down your questions and bring the list with you.

33 Are there any side effects?

33 Take along a friend or relative who can help you understand and recall what the doctor tells you.

33 Which ones should I report?

33 If you feel confused by an answer, ask the question again.

33 Do you need to see me while I’m taking this medication?

33 Read the patient information sheets you receive when you pick up your prescription from the drug store.

33 Is there any chance that I could become dependent on this medicine? What can I do to avoid this? 33 How will I know if it is working?

Knowledge is the best medicine

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Ask your doctor or pharmacist

Know how to take your medication

33 When should I take it and for how long? 33 Do I take it on an empty stomach or with food? 33 What should I do if I miss a dose? 33 What should I do if I use too much by mistake? 33 Should I avoid any foods, drink, or activities while using this medicine? 33 Will this medicine make me sleepy? 33 Can I drive a car? 33 Can I drink alcohol while taking it? 33 How should I store the medication? Does it need to be kept in the fridge?

Tips from your pharmacist 33 If you take more than one medication, use daily or weekly pill containers to help remind you when to take the medicine. 33 If you have trouble opening pill bottles, ask the drug store to put your prescription in a bottle with an “easy open” lid. 33 An easy-to-read label can be made with big print. Ask the pharmacist for this kind of label if you have vision problems. 8

33 If you find it hard to swallow pills, ask if your medicine comes as a liquid or in a form you can chew. Find out if it’s okay to crush the medication and mix it with food or water. 33 If other people in your family are taking medication, use a marker to highlight the user’s name on each bottle. You may also want to highlight the instructions. Use a pen in a different colour for each person.

Use your Medication Record as a handy place to list all your medicines.

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Knowledge is the best medicine

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Living smart

Help Yourself to Better Health

Stay active

Most Canadians have at least one risk factor for chronic disease that is within their power to change. Making healthy choices will not only reduce your risk of disease, it will also make you feel better.

“Not only can physical activity help you live longer, but it may also … prolong your health, mental acuity, and independence to help you enjoy a better quality of life.” 

Eat well “Research shows that 30 to 35 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy body weight.” 

– Canadian Cancer Society

Regular exercise at any age helps you maintain a healthy body and mind. Find an activity you like and get moving.

What we eat and drink affects how we feel. Following Canada’s Food Guide can help. Talk to a health professional to learn more.

Thirty to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week can:

33 Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

33 lower your risk of heart disease.

33 Eat whole grain breads and cereals to add fibre.

33 help control high blood pressure and weight.

33 Choose meat and dairy products that are low in fat. 33 Don’t use too much salt — it can increase your blood pressure.

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– Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

33 reduce stress. 33 increase your energy. 33 improve your sleep and digestion. Set yourself goals that you can reach. Walk at a brisk pace for 15 minutes each day. Or you could do 10 minutes of exercise three times a day, for a total of 30 minutes.

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Living smart

There are many ways to be active that are fun and do not cost money. 33 Walk around the block with a friend. 33 Ride a bike. Once you learn, you never forget how to do it.

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33 Your local community centre may offer free swimming. 33 Work in your garden.

Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Get a copy of Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for more ideas. Regular exercise has many benefits. It’s never too late to start, but be sure to tell your doctor before you start or change your exercise program. And learn to be careful. If it hurts —  stop. Enjoy yourself!

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What else can I do? 33 Do not smoke. 33 Avoid second-hand smoke. 33 If you smoke, get help to quit. It’s never too late to stop. 33 Keep children away from second-hand smoke. 33 Drink alcohol only in small amounts. 33 Reduce your stress. 33 Have regular check-ups to measure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. When you find a problem early, treatment will work better.

Make social life part of a healthy life 33 Good health also comes from being socially and mentally active. Stay in touch with your family and friends. 33 Stay informed. The more you know, the more you can do to improve your health. 33 Take care of yourself. Remember prevention is the best cure.

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Living smart

By eating well and staying physically and socially active, you can help yourself enjoy better health. An apple a day Many common problems do not require medication.

If you cannot sleep: � get fresh air and exercise during the day. � soak in a warm bath before you go to bed — this is a good way to relax at the end of the day.

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For stress and anxiety: 33 talk about your feelings with a friend. 33 listen to music. 33 get some exercise.

When you have a cold: 33 rest and drink fluids. 33 use a steam vaporizer.

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REMEMBER, WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH, KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEST MEDICINE.

Knowledge is the best medicine

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Knowledge is the best medicine Brought to you by:

For additional copies of our brochure and record book, contact Rx&D: 1-800-363-0203 Fax: 613-236-6861 Website: www.canadapharma.org (Downloadable version of the Medication Record is also available) E-mail: [email protected] Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) 55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1220 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L5 Disponible en français Compliments of:

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