Medication Safety

Your Pharmacist

Find a pharmacy where the pharmacists take the time to discuss your prescriptions. This is especially important when you have multiple prescriptions.

When picking up a prescription, or a renewal, consider talking to the pharmacist (even if you have to wait a few moments) and ask:

- Have any medications been added, stopped or changed, and why?
- What medications do I need to keep taking and why?
- How do I take my medications, and for how long?
- How will I know my medication is working?
- What side effects do I watch for?

For more information:

Ontario College of Pharmacists. What You Should Expect When You Visit Your Pharmacy. 2022.
https://www.ocpinfo.com/protecting-the-public/your-pharmacy/what-you-should-expect/ Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada. 5 Questions to Ask about your Medication. https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/MedRec/MedSafety_5_questions_to_ask_poster.pdf

The pharmacy will make sure only an authorized person can pick-up your medication.

Opioid Safety

Discuss safe and storage use of your opioid prescription with your healthcare provider.

Ask for a take-home naloxone kit in case of accidental overdose.

The following might be symptoms of an opioid overdose and require immediate action.

Shallow breathing
Slowed heart rate
Loss of consciousness

For more information:

University of Saskatchewan. Naloxone for Opioid Overdose. https://pharmacy-nutrition.usask.ca/mac/services/ucpc/naloxone-for-opioid-overdose.php#Moreinformation
University of Waterloo. Naloxone and Opioid Resources. https://uwaterloo.ca/pharmacy/resources-services-and-initiatives/health-resources/naloxone-and-opioid-resources

Some people experience dizziness with opioid medications. Look to organize your home with a view to preventing falls.

For more information:

Parachute. Falls in seniors. 2022.
https://horizon.parachutecanada.org/en/injury-topic/fall-prevention-for-seniors/

Opioids can cause side effects that might impair your ability to drive/operate vehicles safely. If you are on an opioid prescription, you should take caution when driving and talk to your physician or pharmacist about your individual risks and ability to drive/operate vehicles safely based on your unique combination of medications and medical history.

When and if you want to cut back on your opioid use, involve your healthcare provider in the process. Cutting back can lead to withdrawal and the risk of overdose.

For more information:

Addiction & Mental Health, Alberta Health Services. Safe withdrawal. 2022. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/Pages/safe-withdrawal-from-alcohol-and-other-drugs.aspx

Safe Storage and Disposal

Ensure that your prescription is safely stored. Most pharmacies will take back unused or expired medications for safe disposal.

For more information:

Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada. Prevent Medication Accidents. https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/OpioidStewardship/storage-disposal-information.pdf
Health Products Stewardship Association. Returning Medications. 2022. https://healthsteward.ca/consumers/returning-medications/
Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada. Storage and Disposal of Opioids. https://www.ismp-canada.org/download/OpioidStewardship/OpioidStorageDisposal-patient.pdf

Travel and Customs

If you are planning to travel with your opioid prescription:

Ask the pharmacist to print a list of your current medications.
Always keep necessary medications with you. If flying, your medications should be in your carry-on luggage.
Bring enough medication to cover an unexpectedly longer stay.
Locate the nearest pharmacy in case of emergency.
Have easy and visible access to your medical résumé (MedicAlert®, printout of your prescription list, saved list on your phone, paper in wallet, etc.)
If your opioid medication is liquid or you are travelling internationally, consider asking your provider for a travel letter to answer any questions.

If travelling internationally, make sure to know the customs regulations about your prescribed medicine:

For more information:

Government of Canada. 2021. Travelling with medication. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/medication
Government of Canada. Cannabis and international travel. 2021. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/cannabis-and-international-travel
Government of Canada. Drugs and Travel: Do’s and Don’ts. 2020.https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/publications/drugs-and-travel
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. Medication and Medical Items.https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/medication-and-medical-items

In Case of Emergency

In case of an emergency, it is important for your family, loved ones, caregivers or close friends to know about your situation, health conditions and/or medications you are taking, in the event that you are incapacitated. An Emergency Form is helpful tool that you can use so that those around you can assist if needed. You can store this Form in a location that you both agree on, keep in your wallet or even post on your refrigerator in an envelope for paramedics to be able to take with you in an emergency.

Please find the PDF link here: CLICK HERE

Other Pain Management Techniques

Physical Activity