Do we take our medications properly?
Unfortunately many people do not take their medications correctly. Some interesting statistics include the following: More than 50% of people do not take their medication as prescribed. 20% of people take less medication than prescribed by their doctor. 12% of people do not take any medication at all, even after purchasing the medication. 12% of […]
What are some of the consequences of not taking medications properly?
Not taking medications properly leads to unnecessary hospital admissions, illness, and even deaths. It also costs the health care system millions of dollars every year. Some interesting statistics include the following: 10% of hospital admissions result directly from not taking medications as recommended about one-third of seniors admitted to the hospital had a history of […]
How to use a Diskhaler®*
Load the Diskhaler®: Remove the cover. Pull out the white tray by grasping the corners, pulling out until you see the ribbed sides, then squeezing the ribbed sides as you gently ease the tray out of the Diskhaler®. Place the disk on the wheel of the tray with the numbers face up. Slide the tray back […]
How to use eardrops*
Warm the eardrop tube in your hand for a few minutes. This will make the eardrops more comfortable to instill. Wash your hands well with soap and water. Gently shake the bottle if instructed to do so by your pharmacist or doctor. Open the eardrop bottle or tube. Tilt your head to one side, or […]
How to use an enema*
There are two positions that you may use for using an enema: Lie on your side with the bottom leg straight and the upper leg bent up towards your chest. Kneel with the head and chest lowered to rest on the bed. Once you have found a comfortable position, follow these steps: Remove the protective […]
How to use eye drops*
For adults Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 30 seconds to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on your hands. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, remove them. If your eye drops need to be shaken before using, shake the bottle now. (Check with your pharmacist to […]
How to use an eye ointment*
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, remove them. Warm the ointment tube in your hand for a few minutes. This will make the ointment flow better and more comfortable to apply. Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 30 seconds to remove any bacteria that may be on your hands. […]
How to use a Diskus®*
The Diskus® is a plastic inhaler device designed to help you inhale your medication. It contains a foil strip with medication blisters. Each blister holds one dose of the medication. It can be used in 4 easy steps: Open: To open your Diskus®, hold the outer case in one hand and put the thumb of your […]
How to use a Handihaler®*
Wash and dry your hands well. Open the Handihaler® by pressing the button on the side and pulling the cover away from the mouthpiece. Open the mouthpiece by lifting the ridge away from the base. Remove one capsule of medication from the blister. The capsules should only be removed from the blister just prior to […]
How to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or aerosol inhaler*
How to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or aerosol inhaler* A metered dose inhaler (MDI) or aerosol inhaler is designed to help you inhale medication into your lungs. The medication is contained in a metal canister, which is wrapped in a plastic mouthpiece. Remove the cap from the inhaler. Make sure nothing is inside […]