Knowledge is the best medicine
Knowledge is the best medicine
Knowledge is the best medicine
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Medication<br />
Record Inside<br />
<strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
What you need<br />
to know about<br />
your <strong>medicine</strong>s<br />
Inside:<br />
1 Using your <strong>medicine</strong>s safely<br />
2 Ask your doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t<br />
3 Living smart
1Using your <strong>medicine</strong>s safely<br />
What You Need to Know<br />
When you take any <strong>medicine</strong>, whe<strong>the</strong>r prescribed or<br />
purchased over <strong>the</strong> counter without a prescription,<br />
you need to know:<br />
33What it <strong>is</strong>.<br />
33Why you are taking it.<br />
33When and how you should use it.<br />
33The effect it will have on you.<br />
?<br />
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!<br />
Your doctor and pharmac<strong>is</strong>t are<br />
<strong>the</strong>re to help.<br />
Some Helpful Hints<br />
33Do not expect a new prescription each time you v<strong>is</strong>it<br />
your doctor.<br />
33Use <strong>the</strong> same pharmacy for all your prescriptions.<br />
33Tell your doctor about all of <strong>the</strong> <strong>medicine</strong>s you are<br />
taking. Th<strong>is</strong> includes vitamins, over-<strong>the</strong>-counter<br />
<strong>medicine</strong>s, and herbal products.<br />
33Before you use an over-<strong>the</strong>-counter <strong>medicine</strong> or<br />
herbal product, make sure it’s safe to use with your<br />
prescriptions.<br />
33Tell your doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t if you have any allergies<br />
or have had a reaction to <strong>medicine</strong>s in <strong>the</strong> past.<br />
33Make sure you know exactly how to take your <strong>medicine</strong>.<br />
33Use <strong>the</strong> Medication Record in th<strong>is</strong> booklet to<br />
l<strong>is</strong>t your <strong>medicine</strong>s. Show it to your doctor<br />
or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t each time you v<strong>is</strong>it <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
At home<br />
33Take your<br />
<strong>medicine</strong><br />
exactly as<br />
directed.<br />
Too much<br />
or too little<br />
could hurt<br />
you.<br />
33Take your <strong>medicine</strong> at <strong>the</strong> same time each day.<br />
For example, when you eat breakfast or just before<br />
you go to bed.<br />
33If you forget to take your prescription medication,<br />
do not double <strong>the</strong> next dose. Call your doctor or<br />
pharmac<strong>is</strong>t for advice.<br />
33Fin<strong>is</strong>h all of your prescription, even if you start to<br />
feel better.<br />
33Do not share your prescription medication and<br />
do not take someone else’s prescription.<br />
33When certain prescriptions are mixed with alcohol,<br />
<strong>the</strong> result can be harmful. Check with your doctor<br />
or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t.<br />
2 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
3
Using your <strong>medicine</strong>s safely<br />
1Things to watch for<br />
A side effect <strong>is</strong> something that happens when a<br />
<strong>medicine</strong> affects you in a way it <strong>is</strong> not supposed to.<br />
Before you take any prescription, your pharmac<strong>is</strong>t and<br />
doctor should tell you about side effects that might<br />
happen and how long <strong>the</strong>y might last.<br />
Your doctor may want to change your prescription<br />
if <strong>the</strong> side effects are too strong. There may be a<br />
<strong>medicine</strong> that <strong>is</strong> better for you.<br />
Ask you doctor and pharmac<strong>is</strong>t which side effects you<br />
should report.<br />
Adverse reactions are more serious than side effects<br />
but happen less often. No one wants <strong>the</strong>m and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can cause a lot of harm.<br />
Some examples are:<br />
• a severe allergic reaction where you struggle<br />
to brea<strong>the</strong>, have a skin rash, feel very itchy, or<br />
have swelling;<br />
•<br />
•<br />
• depression.<br />
feeling faint and having a racing heart;<br />
severe nausea or diarrhea;<br />
!<br />
If you think you are having a<br />
serious adverse reaction, seek<br />
medical attention right away.<br />
Keep it safe<br />
33Keep your prescription in <strong>the</strong> same container it<br />
came in, with <strong>the</strong> cap closed.<br />
33Store your prescription in a dry, cool place away<br />
from sunlight. Heat and mo<strong>is</strong>ture can damage<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>medicine</strong>.<br />
33Keep <strong>medicine</strong>s away<br />
from your children<br />
and pets. Put all<br />
your <strong>medicine</strong>s<br />
on a high shelf or<br />
in a cupboard where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can’t see or reach<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
33Put your <strong>medicine</strong> in <strong>the</strong><br />
fridge only if it says so on <strong>the</strong> label.<br />
33Do not use <strong>medicine</strong> after <strong>the</strong> expiry date has<br />
passed.<br />
33Clean out your <strong>medicine</strong> cabinet at least once a year.<br />
Ga<strong>the</strong>r up <strong>medicine</strong>s that are old, not in <strong>the</strong>ir original<br />
bottle, or have labels that are not clear.<br />
Do NOT throw <strong>medicine</strong>s in <strong>the</strong> garbage or flush<br />
33<br />
<strong>the</strong>m down <strong>the</strong> toilet. Take <strong>the</strong>m to your local<br />
pharmacy. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> only way to safely d<strong>is</strong>pose<br />
of <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
4 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
5
2Ask your doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t<br />
You should not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable<br />
asking your doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t questions.<br />
They are <strong>the</strong>re to help you.<br />
!<br />
The more you know about<br />
your medication, <strong>the</strong> more<br />
you become a team player<br />
in your own health care.<br />
Here are some hints<br />
33Before you v<strong>is</strong>it <strong>the</strong> doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t, write down<br />
your questions and bring <strong>the</strong> l<strong>is</strong>t with you.<br />
33Take along a friend or relative who can help you<br />
understand and recall what <strong>the</strong> doctor tells you.<br />
33If you feel confused<br />
by an answer, ask<br />
<strong>the</strong> question again.<br />
33Read <strong>the</strong> patient<br />
information sheets<br />
you receive when<br />
you pick up your<br />
prescription from<br />
<strong>the</strong> drug store.<br />
Questions to ask when you start taking<br />
a prescription<br />
33What <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> prescription?<br />
33Why am I taking it?<br />
33Can I use th<strong>is</strong> <strong>medicine</strong> safely with o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>medicine</strong>s<br />
and treatments I am using? (Remember to tell<br />
your doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t about over-<strong>the</strong>-counter<br />
<strong>medicine</strong>s, vitamins, and herbal products you<br />
are taking.)<br />
33Will I need a refill?<br />
33Are <strong>the</strong>re any side<br />
effects?<br />
33Which ones should<br />
I report?<br />
33Do you need to see<br />
me while I’m taking<br />
th<strong>is</strong> medication?<br />
33Is <strong>the</strong>re any chance<br />
that I could become dependent on th<strong>is</strong> <strong>medicine</strong>?<br />
What can I do to avoid th<strong>is</strong>?<br />
33How will I know if it <strong>is</strong> working?<br />
6 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
7
your doctor or pharmac<strong>is</strong>t<br />
Use your Medication Record<br />
2 Ask<br />
Know how to take your medication<br />
33When should I take it and for how long?<br />
33Do I take it on an empty stomach or with food?<br />
33What should I do if I m<strong>is</strong>s a dose?<br />
33What should I do if I use too much by m<strong>is</strong>take?<br />
33Should I avoid any foods, drink, or activities while<br />
using th<strong>is</strong> <strong>medicine</strong>?<br />
33Will th<strong>is</strong> <strong>medicine</strong> make me sleepy?<br />
33Can I drive a car?<br />
33Can I drink alcohol while taking it?<br />
33How should I store <strong>the</strong> medication? Does it need<br />
to be kept in <strong>the</strong> fridge?<br />
Tips from your pharmac<strong>is</strong>t<br />
33If you take more than one medication, use daily<br />
or weekly pill containers to help remind you when<br />
to take <strong>the</strong> <strong>medicine</strong>.<br />
33If you have trouble opening pill bottles, ask <strong>the</strong> drug<br />
store to put your prescription in a bottle with an<br />
“easy open” lid.<br />
33An easy-to-read label can be made with big print.<br />
Ask <strong>the</strong> pharmac<strong>is</strong>t for th<strong>is</strong> kind of label if you have<br />
v<strong>is</strong>ion problems.<br />
33If you find it hard to<br />
swallow pills, ask if your<br />
<strong>medicine</strong> comes as a<br />
liquid or in a form you<br />
can chew. Find out if<br />
it’s okay to crush <strong>the</strong><br />
medication and<br />
mix it with food<br />
or water.<br />
33If o<strong>the</strong>r people<br />
in your family<br />
are taking<br />
medication,<br />
use a marker<br />
to highlight <strong>the</strong><br />
user’s name on<br />
each bottle. You<br />
may also want<br />
to highlight <strong>the</strong><br />
instructions.<br />
Use a pen in a<br />
different colour<br />
for each person.<br />
!<br />
as a handy place to l<strong>is</strong>t all<br />
your <strong>medicine</strong>s.<br />
8 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
9
3Living smart<br />
Help Yourself to Better Health<br />
Most Canadians have at least one r<strong>is</strong>k factor for chronic<br />
d<strong>is</strong>ease that <strong>is</strong> within <strong>the</strong>ir power to change. Making<br />
healthy choices will not only reduce your r<strong>is</strong>k of d<strong>is</strong>ease,<br />
it will also make you feel better.<br />
Eat well<br />
“Research shows that 30 to 35 per cent of all<br />
cancers can be prevented by eating well, being<br />
active and maintaining a healthy body weight.”<br />
<br />
– Canadian Cancer Society<br />
What we eat and drink affects how we feel. Following<br />
Canada’s Food Guide can help. Talk to a health<br />
professional to learn more.<br />
33Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.<br />
33Eat whole grain breads and cereals<br />
to add fibre.<br />
33Choose meat and dairy products<br />
that are low in fat.<br />
33Don’t use too much<br />
salt — it can increase<br />
your blood<br />
pressure.<br />
Stay active<br />
“Not only can physical activity help you live longer,<br />
but it may also … prolong your health, mental<br />
acuity, and independence to help you enjoy a<br />
better quality of life.”<br />
<br />
– Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada<br />
!<br />
Regular exerc<strong>is</strong>e at any age<br />
helps you maintain a healthy<br />
body and mind. Find an activity<br />
you like and get moving.<br />
Thirty to 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of<br />
<strong>the</strong> week can:<br />
33lower your r<strong>is</strong>k of heart d<strong>is</strong>ease.<br />
33help control high blood pressure and weight.<br />
33reduce stress.<br />
33increase your energy.<br />
33improve your sleep and digestion.<br />
Set yourself goals that you can reach. Walk at a<br />
br<strong>is</strong>k pace for 15 minutes each day. Or you could do<br />
10 minutes of exerc<strong>is</strong>e three times a day, for a total<br />
of 30 minutes.<br />
10 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
11
3Living smart<br />
There are many ways to be active that are fun and do<br />
not cost money.<br />
33Walk around <strong>the</strong> block with a friend.<br />
33Ride a bike. Once you learn, you never forget how to<br />
do it.<br />
33Your local community centre may offer free swimming.<br />
33Work in your garden.<br />
!<br />
Make physical activity part of<br />
your daily routine. Get a copy<br />
of Canada’s Physical Activity<br />
Guide to Healthy Active Living<br />
for more ideas.<br />
Regular exerc<strong>is</strong>e has many<br />
benefits. It’s never too late<br />
to start, but be sure to<br />
tell your doctor before<br />
you start or change<br />
your exerc<strong>is</strong>e<br />
program. And<br />
learn to be<br />
careful. If<br />
it hurts —<br />
stop.<br />
Enjoy<br />
yourself!<br />
What else can I do?<br />
33Do not smoke.<br />
33Avoid second-hand smoke.<br />
33If you smoke, get help to quit.<br />
It’s never too late to stop.<br />
33Keep children away from second-hand smoke.<br />
33Drink alcohol only in small amounts.<br />
33Reduce your stress.<br />
33Have regular check-ups to measure your<br />
blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood<br />
sugar levels. When you find a problem<br />
early, treatment will work better.<br />
Make social life part of<br />
a healthy life<br />
33Good health also comes from<br />
being socially and mentally<br />
active. Stay in touch with<br />
your family and friends.<br />
33Stay informed. The more<br />
you know, <strong>the</strong> more you can<br />
do to improve your health.<br />
33Take care of yourself. Remember<br />
prevention <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> cure.<br />
12 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
13
3 Living<br />
smart<br />
By eating well and staying physically and<br />
For stress and anxiety:<br />
socially active, you can help yourself enjoy<br />
33talk about your<br />
better health.<br />
feelings with a friend.<br />
An apple a day<br />
Many common<br />
problems do not<br />
require medication.<br />
If you cannot sleep:<br />
33get fresh air and<br />
exerc<strong>is</strong>e during<br />
<strong>the</strong> day.<br />
33soak in a warm bath<br />
before you go to<br />
bed — th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> a good<br />
way to relax at <strong>the</strong><br />
end of <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
33l<strong>is</strong>ten to music.<br />
33get some exerc<strong>is</strong>e.<br />
When you have a cold:<br />
33rest and drink fluids.<br />
33use a steam vaporizer.<br />
!<br />
REMEMBER,<br />
WHEN IT<br />
COMES TO<br />
YOUR HEALTH,<br />
KNOWLEDGE<br />
IS THE BEST<br />
MEDICINE.<br />
14 <strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
15
<strong>Knowledge</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>best</strong> <strong>medicine</strong><br />
Brought to you by:<br />
For additional copies of our brochure and record book, contact Rx&D:<br />
1-800-363-0203<br />
Fax: 613-236-6861<br />
Website: www.canadapharma.org<br />
(Downloadable version of <strong>the</strong> Medication Record <strong>is</strong> also available)<br />
E-mail: knowledge@canadapharma.org<br />
Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)<br />
55 Metcalfe Street, Suite 1220<br />
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6L5<br />
D<strong>is</strong>ponible en frança<strong>is</strong><br />
Compliments of:<br />
KIBM-BRO-E