Medication Management – Tapping the Pharmacist’s Expertise for Employees with Multiple Medications Rosemarie Patodia, BScPhm, CGP Pharmacist, Manager, Pharmacy Marketing and Professional Services Shoppers Drug Mart

Agenda The medication review (MedsCheck) process The importance of medication review Benefits to your organization What can you do? Some examples Summary Questions

What is a medication review? A detailed review of all medications, including:  Role of each medication  Optimal use  Monitoring and outcomes  Interactions (including OTCs and natural health products)  Special tips and information

The Ontario MedsCheck Program A medication review program introduced by the Ontario Ministry of Health April 2007 Eligibility:  Anyone with an OHIP card  3 or more chronic medications  Can be done annually, with an additional follow-up review within 12 months of the initial medication review  Of the 250,000 completed to date, about 10% were for non-ODB recipients

Why is it Important? Identifies potential medication-related problems (pharmacist-recommended solutions) Improves medication adherence Optimizes utilization of appropriate therapies Enhances knowledge level of the patient

Benefits to your organization Optimizes health outcomes by  Helping employees understand the role of their medications for their overall health  Promoting proper use of medications, and  Empowering employees to take charge of their health conditions

Benefits to your organization Reduces drug plan costs by  Identifying inappropriate medications  Preventing future medication-related complications that potentially require more prescription therapies  Optimizing medication use to prevent devastating events (e.g. heart attack, stroke) Win-win situation!  Employees are healthier and more productive  Less wasted resources from drug plans

What can you do? Raise awareness of the medication review opportunity:  Promote the availability of this service to all employees through appropriate internal communication vehicles  Provide information about the benefits of a medication review and how to prepare for it  Connect with your local Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy to facilitate the process for employees  Contact SDM at for more informationwww.healthwatchforbusiness.ca

The case of KW KW’s medication review uncovers:  She keeps 15 medications on hand at home  She has duplicate medications to treat anxiety and insomnia  She carries one angina patch (nitroglycerin) in her medication bag because she believes she has “some angina sometimes”

The case of KW How the pharmacist helped KW:  Consulted with her physician regarding her duplicate therapies and about her angina to determine her need for ongoing treatment  Resolved confusion about her medications  Cautioned her about the duplicate therapies and arranged to follow up after discussion with her physician

The case of RK RK’s medication review shows:  He has a chronic lung condition for which he takes inhalers – but is using two inhalers of the same class that should not be taken together – also, his inhaler technique is not completely correct  He was using a certain inhaler quite frequently, indicating that he may be having some trouble breathing  He is over 50 and does not have adequate calcium and vitamin D intake – he thinks that osteoporosis is for women

The case of RK How the pharmacist helped:  Demonstrated and re-taught inhaler technique for RK  Reviewed the purpose of each inhaler  Discussed with him that there appears to be duplication and contacted his doctor to confirm  Advised him on appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake for his age to avoid osteoporosis and assisted him with supplements

Medication review outcomes SDM Pharmacists document the types of problems addressed:  Addressed adherence issues  Taught proper use of medical devices  Simplified medication regimen  Resolved side effects or interactions  Recommended dosage change  Recommended discontinuation or substitution of an inappropriate medication  Recommended more cost-effective medication

Take home messages A medication review is a personalized, comprehensive discussion with your pharmacist to review your medication profile A simple solution that impacts on medication adherence and appropriate utilization of medications First step? Speak with your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist to set up an appointment!

Questions?