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 CholesterolDecrease the LDL (Bad Cholesterol)Increase the HDL (Good Cholesterol)

Reduce the build up of plaque in the blood vessels

Examples of Cholesterol Medications

Examples:

• Lipitor (Atovastatin)

• Crestor (Rosuvastatin)• Ezetrol (Ezetimibe)

• Lipidil (Fenofibrate)• Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Vit B3)

Common Side Effects

• Sore muscles

• Stomach upset

• 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 AtrialFibrillation, 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”

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

Beta Blockers

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 noteYou 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 betterUsed 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

• Losartin (Cozaar)

• Valsartin (Diovan)

• Irbesartan ( Avapro)

• 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

• Do not flush or put down the sink

• Return to pharmacy or use Toxic Taxi

• check expired medications as well

Travelling with Medications

Plan ahead

• 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

• 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?