Dedicated patient support.

When it comes to medications, keeping the family healthy and safe includes keeping the medicine cabinet up to date.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you stock your medicine cabinet with basic health care tools and store medicines safely.

• Antacid
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Bandages – assorted types (for small wounds)
• Bandages – elastic wrap (for strains and sprains)
• Calamine lotion (to relieve itching and burns)
• Compresses – hot/cold
• Cough syrup
• Gauze – bandages and wrap (for larger wounds)
• Hydrocortisone cream (to relieve itching)
• Hydrogen peroxide (as disinfectant)
• Pain medication – non-prescription, such as acetaminophen, ASA, ibuprofen
• Rubbing alcohol (as antiseptic)
• Scissors
• Sunscreen
• Surgical tape (for use with gauze bandages and wrap)
• Thermometer (age-appropriate)
• Tweezers

Medications are stored as instructed on the label. For example, storing medicines in a warm, moist area such as a bathroom can change the medicine’s strength and/or ability to do its job.

• All package instructions can be read clearly. If they’re missing or cannot be read clearly, the package has been taken to the pharmacist for proper disposal.
• Medicines have not expired. If a medication has expired, the container has been taken to the pharmacist for proper disposal.
• Any medicine for which a prescription is complete, or which the doctor has said should no longer be taken, has been removed from the cabinet and taken to the pharmacist for proper disposal.
• Medicines are stored out of sight of children.
• Medicines are stored out of reach of crawling and climbing children.
• All medicines have child-resistant caps. If they do not (for example, if the patient has arthritis), they are removed from the medicine cabinet and safely stored in another location out of sight and reach of children.

For more information on medicine health and safety for your family, speak with your pharmacist.

Making sure you get the most from your medications

MedsCheck is a free service funded by the Ontario government to help you:

• Fully understand your medication therapy.
• Take your medications as prescribed.
• Get the greatest benefit from your medications.

How MedsCheck works

You are eligible for the annual MedsCheck if you have an Ontario Health Card (OHIP card) and are taking a minimum of three prescription medications for a chronic condition.

If you qualify and would like to participate in a MedsCheck review:

1. Speak to your pharmacist to book your review in our private consultation area.
2. Bring to your review:

• Your Ontario Health Card.
• A list of your current medications.
• A list of any vitamins, minerals, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking.
• A copy of your most recent MedsCheck review (if you have already had one completed at a different pharmacy).

3. Allow up to 30 minutes for your review. Your pharmacist will create a comprehensive drug review list and give you a copy to keep in case you need it for appointments with other health care providers.

Other MedsCheck programs

MedsCheck Follow-up: MedsCheck participants are eligible for a follow-up review during the year under certain conditions, including a planned hospital visit or a doctor referral based on significant changes or additions made to your medications.

Specialized MedsCheck reviews are also available. These include:

• MedsCheck for Ontarians Living with Diabetes
• MedsCheck at Home
• MedsCheck for Long-term Home Residents

Setting up your free MedsCheck review

To book a MedsCheck appointment, contact your Pharma-Cure Pharmacy pharmacist, who will be pleased to assist you. We look forward to your visit.