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 5 Decrease the Total Cholesterol Decrease the LDL (Bad Cholesterol) Increase the HDL (Good Cholesterol) Reduce the build up of plaque in the blood vessels

Examples of Cholesterol Medications 6 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 Atrial Fibrillation, 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 note You 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 better Used 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

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?