All medications, even those you buy without a prescription, from the health food shop or another source, are potent substances. Treat them with care and respect.
Storage • Many tablets and capsules are brightly coloured and look like lollies which are attractive
to children, so it is important to store them in a locked cupboard. If they are marked REFRIGERATE, then store them in a secure container in the fridge.
• Sunlight and moisture can destroy many drugs, so store them in a cool, dark cupboard –
not over the fridge (too hot), or in the steamy bathroom.
• Keep medications in their original containers, so they can be easily identified with
instructions for storage, and expiry dates visible.
• Clean out drug cupboards at least once a year. Return any expired, or unwanted
• Do not store medications with other chemicals.
Side-effects If any medication appears not to be working, or you experience unpleasant side-effects, ask your doctor to review the medication. Severe side-effects such as difficulty breathing and a rash need urgent attention. Sensitivity to medications taken previously can develop over time.
Understand your medication It is important for you to know what medications you take, why you take them, their correct dosages, their possible side effects and interactions. If you miss a dose of your medications it is not usually advised to ‘double-up’ to compensate for a missed dose. If you are unsure, call your GP.
Sharing medications Do not share your medications with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA
Make sure all your medications are compatible Always tell the pharmacist what other medications you are taking when you are purchasing any additional medication, even over the counter products, or herbal products. All your doctors must know every medication you are taking including health food shop preparations, also any eye/ear drops, or creams/ointments you are using. It is a good idea to have a list available to show a new doctor, or take to hospital.
Pregnancy If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or intend on getting pregnant, inform your doctor and pharmacist before taking any new medication. Poisons Hotline 131 126 It is a good idea to put this number in your mobile phone address book.
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA
The hospital will supply up to 30 days of medications to you on discharge. A letter summarising your admission including your discharge medications will be sent to your GP. You will need to make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible to get prescriptions for your ongoing medications. It is advisable to go to the same pharmacy, as they will keep your medications in stock and record your expenditure. You may be able to claim for medical expenses on your tax. You should discuss this with an accountant. Cost If you have a concession card your medications are subsidised by the government. For details contact Medicare Australia. If you have a Worker’s Compensation or MVIT claim , you will need to supply the pharmacy with the claim number, date of accident, insurance company, and employer’s details. By doing this there will be no charge to you for medications, all charges will go direct to the insurance company. If you have private health insurance you may be eligible for a rebate on certain medications. Discuss with your insurer.
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients Medication Other Names Obtain from Special Instructions Baclofen
Do not rise quickly from sitting or lying positions. May cause drowsiness so take care with activities requiring alertness. Oxybutynin
of alcohol, if affected do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, difficulty passing urine, or dizziness. Pregabalin
requiring mental alertness. See your doctor if these are a concern. Gabapentin
requiring mental alertness. See your doctor if these are a concern. Coloxyl and
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients Medication Other Names Purpose Obtain from Special Instructions Paracetamol
multiple medications including paracetamol – ask your pharmacist if unsure. Amitriptyline
of alcohol. If affected do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery. It may also cause a dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, difficulty passing urine, or dizziness. Temazepam
take care with tasks requiring concentration. Gradual withdrawal may be necessary after prolonged use or high dose. Drowsiness, dizziness or impaired concentration may occur.
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients Medication Other Names Obtain from Special Instructions Diazepam
If therapy is to be ceased, it should be done gradually under medical supervision. May cause balance problems, impaired memory or increased salivation. Glycerol Suppositories
rectal wall. Consult your Doctor or Pharmacist if unclear on how to use. A mild strength preparation. Bisacodyl Suppositories
rectal wall. Stimulates bowel movement. Consult your Doctor or pharmacist if unclear on how to use. A moderate strength preparation. Bisacodyl
of water and drink as directed. May cause flatulence, abdominal bloating, and cramping.
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients Medication Other Names Obtain from Special Instructions Oxycodone capsules Oxycodone Controlled
constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, or itchy skin. Antibiotics
prescribed. May cause stomach upset. RPH or SPC Do NOT use Glyceryl for spinal Trinitrate (GTN spray) patients if Viagra has been taken in the previous prescription 24 hours and do written by not take Viagra for DRCherry. at least 48 hours after GTN spray has been taken. For more information on Viagra see the Sexuality section of this manual.
Not available Do NOT use Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN spray) if Levitra has been taken in the previous 24 hours and do not take Levitra for at least 48 hours after GTN spray has been taken.
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients Medication Other Names Obtain from Special Instructions
Not available Do NOT use Glyceryl Trinitrate (GTN spray) if Cialis has been taken in the previous 4 days and do not take Cialis for at least 48 hours after GTN spray has been taken. Prostaglandin Any side effects experienced with the use of any medication should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist as medication effects vary for each individual
June Chemello, Pharmacist, Shenton Park, Royal Perth Hospital, September 2013.
Delivering a Healthy WA
Detoxification • Dependence• Model of Change• Motivation The Seven Markers of Dependence Salience of drug-seeking behaviour (Simply obtaining the drug becomes increasingly important at the expense of other aspects of the drug users life)Relief or avoidance of withdrawal symptomsNarrowing of the repertoire of drug taking behaviour (Drug use becomes a daily activity, an increasin
JUICIO PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DE LOS DERECHOS POLÍTICO- ELECTORALES DEL CIUDADANO EXPEDIENTE: JDC 26/2010 ACTOR: BLADIMIR ORTEGA AUTORIDAD RESPONSABLE: COMISIÓN NACIONAL DE GARANTÍAS DEL PARTIDO DE TERCERO INTERESADO: NO MAGISTRADO PONENTE: DR. JOSÉ LORENZO ÁLVAREZ Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz a cuatro de marzo de dos VISTOS para resolver los autos del
All medications, even those you buy without a prescription, from the health food 
Make sure all your medications are compatible Always tell the pharmacist what other medications you are taking when you are purchasing any additional medication, even over the counter products, or herbal products. All your doctors must know every medication you are taking including health food shop preparations, also any eye/ear drops, or creams/ointments you are using. It is a good idea to have a list available to show a new doctor, or take to hospital.
The hospital will supply up to 30 days of medications to you on discharge. A letter 
Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients
Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients
Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients
Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients
Some common medications for spinal cord injured patients