Transcript Presentation Title

Medications
Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Overview
What’s in a name
Types of medications
Storage
Disposal
Travel and Safety
It is important to not stop your
medication on your own. See your
doctor first.
What’s in a name…
Drugs can have more than one name
Generic name are a shorthand version of the
drug’s, chemical name, structure or formula for
example (Acetominophen)
Trade name is developed by the company
requesting approval for the drug
Is usually relatively easy to remember and unique
(Tylenol)
Cholesterol Lowering Medications
Decrease the Total Cholesterol
Decrease the LDL (Bad Cholesterol)
Increase the HDL (Good Cholesterol)
Reduce the build up of plaque in the blood vessels
Examples of Cholesterol Medications
Examples:
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Lipitor (Atovastatin)
Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
• Ezetrol (Ezetimibe)
Lipidil (Fenofibrate)
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Vit B3)
Common Side Effects
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Sore muscles
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Stomach upset
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Facial flushing with Niacin only
Blood Thinners
Helps keep blood from clotting
Prevent ones that have already formed from
getting bigger
Won’t dissolve the clots you already have
Blood thinners used for conditions such as Atrial
Fibrillation, valve surgery and angioplasty
Anti-Platelet Therapy
• Examples:
– Aspirin (Novasen)
– Warfarin (Coumadin)
– Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Report any of the following
• Any fall or injury to head or back
• Vomiting or diarrhea that is bloody
• “Coffee ground” vomiting
• Excessive bruising
Special notes
• You may be on a combination of blood thinners for
up to a year
• In some cases you may be on one for life
• Let your Dentist, Health care provider know about
being on blood thinners especially any minor
procedures as you may bleed more easily
• You may receive a medical alert bracelet
Beta Blockers
carvediolol (coreg)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Bisoprolol (Monocor)
Notice that the names all end in “olol”
Beta Blockers
What it does:
Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina,
and irregular heartbeats. They are often given after a heart
attack. Beta-blockers work by slowing the heart rate and
decreasing blood pressure
Side effects:
Common is fatigue, cold hands and feet
Special Notes
When changes are made to your beta blocker dose it may
take time for your body to adjust to the new dose.
You may feel unwell for several weeks.
It is important to continue your medications as directed.
Monitor your symptoms. Keep a log.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
What it Does:
Used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats
Special note
You may be on a number of medications to treat high
blood pressure or irregular beats.
Diuretics
• Helps the body get rid of excess water
to treat congestive heart failure and high blood
pressure
• Examples:
– Lasix
– Hydrochlorothiazide
– Aldactone
Nitrates
• Widens your blood vessels and helps to relieves
angina pain
• Examples:
– Nitro Patch (long acting)
– Nitro Spray (intermediate acting)
– Imdur (intermediate acting)
Ace Inhibitors
Ramipril (Altace)
Lisinopril (Zestril)
Notice they all end in “pril”
What it does: Widen blood vessels so blood flows better
Used to treat to congestive heart failure and blood pressure
Note: some may develop a dry hacky cough
You may be switched to angiotensin receptors blockers instead
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
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Losartin (Cozaar)
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Valsartin (Diovan)
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Irbesartan ( Avapro)
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Candesartan (Atacand)
Storage
http://www.diabetesandmore.com/default.aspx
Storage cont’d
Blister Packs
• Filled by pharmacy
• Med names and numbers
on pack
• Dose times easily visual
• Improve compliance
Disposal
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Do not flush or put down the sink
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Return to pharmacy or use Toxic Taxi
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check expired medications as well
Travelling with Medications
Plan ahead
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Pack in carry-on (except syringes and liquids)
Leave in original containers
Carry written prescription
List of contact names
List of prescription numbers
Safety
• Get to know your pharmacist
• Get to know your medications
• Don’t stop your medications if you feel they make
you unwell
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What if you miss a dose?
Medication Cost
• No coverage for medications?
Trillium Foundation:
Three Take Home Tips
It is important to not stop your medication on your own.
See your doctor first.
More than one medication may be used to treat
your heart condition
Carry a list of current medications and get to
know them
Questions?