Our compounding pharmacy laboratory is the only compounding pharmacy facility in Maple Ridge. If you are a patient, parent, doctor, pharmacy or veterinary clinic looking for compounding services we can help.  We make an extensive range of compounded medications. Medlandia pharmacy provides specialty compounding that many other pharmacies can’t provide.  In other words, if your pharmacy can’t do it give us a call.  We would love to help.

Our specialized products and services include:

• Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Dentistry
• Dermatology
• Pain
• Palliative
• Pediatrics
• Podiatry
• Sports Medicine
• Wound Care
• Veterinary

We are proud members of the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA).

Do you have a prescription for a compounded medication?

Feel free to use our online prescription ordering services  to submit your prescription to us.

It is very easy to get your prescriptions from Medlandia Pharmacy if you are a new customer.  Follow these simple steps:

As stated above, Call us now at 604 465 3375 or use our online prescription ordering services.

If you have a new prescription on you then we will need it.  So, take a picture with your device and upload it when filling out the online order form.  We will pick up the original paper prescription when we deliver your medications or you can bring it to the pharmacy when you pick up your medications.

If your prescriptions are at another pharmacy, we will need some extra details. We need the name and phone number of the pharmacy. Also, we need the names of your medications or the prescription numbers. And then, with that information, we can transfer your prescriptions.

After that, all you need to do is wait for us to deliver your medications.

Follow the steps above and you will get your vital medications delivered right to your door.  You can avoid public exposure.

Since we should all be physical distancing, free delivery of medicines is vital right now. If you are following physical distancing guidelines and you are unable to pick up you medications we can help.

Your current pharmacy is unable to deliver and you don’t know what to do.

Call us now at 604 465 3375 or use our online prescription ordering services and we will deliver.  If necessary, we can transfer your prescription and have it brought right to your door.

“No contact” delivery is available upon request.

Transferring your prescriptions from another pharmacy has never been easier. Simply visit or call or email us at Medlandia and we will be happy to help you.

You may refill a prescription if there are refills remaining and if it was previously filled at our online pharmacy. If you need to change the quantity or directions of your refill, please request a new prescription from your physician.

Medication compounding allows doctors and pharmacists to tailor medications to the special needs of their patients.

Medication compounding offers solutions to those patients who:

• have difficulty taking or responding to commercially-available medication
• are allergic or sensitive to preservatives and dyes
• need specific drug strengths or concentrations
• have a hard time swallowing a pill
• react adversely to a medicine’s taste

Medlandia Pharmacy offers specialty compounding of:

• creams and ointments
• solutions, emulsions, and suspensions
• capsules
• suppositories
• powder papers
• transdermal gels
• nasal sprays
• veterinary medicines
• preparations for children (e.g. special flavor)

TOPICAL AND TRANSDERMAL BASES

Our creams and ointments can be compounded with various bases in order to provide the pharmacological properties required for the compounded products.

These pharmacological properties include the level of absorption required based on the area being applied to and the intended target site of the medication. Examples of bases we can use are VersaBase®, Lipoderm®, Plasticized Base and Pluronic Lecithin Organogel (PLO).

COMPOUNDED MEDICATION INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO PHYSICIANS

Physicians, please note that we do provide a list of available topical and transdermal bases, as well as a guide to these bases, in our Physician portal.

Other important resources available to physicians in our Physician Portal include Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) names.

These resources include prescription templates for:

• Magic Mouthwash and other mouth rinses
• All-purpose nipple formulations
• Topical pain creams
• Anal fissure ointments
• And more

No cancellations will be accepted after an order has been shipped/picked up.

Our Pharmacists can administer injections or many different vaccines.

Medlandia Pharmacists can administer many vaccines in addition to the flu vaccine. These vaccines include the shingles vaccine as well as many common travel vaccines. *

All Medlandia Pharmacists take part in a certification process that includes: injection training, live workshops, first-aid and CPR training. Under provincial legislation, Pharmacists can administer certain vaccines to adults and children over a certain age.

Taking medication exactly as your doctor recommends is not always as simple as it may seem. In fact, it can be quite complex. There are many factors that will make you either more or less likely to take your medication. Some of these factors include:

• how easy it is to take the medication
• how many times a day you have to take the medication
• your perception of the benefit of the medication
• your perception of the risks of not taking the medication
• the risks of taking the medication, including side effects
• the total number of pills you take in a day
• how well you perceive the medication to be working
• the cost of the medication

These are just a few of them. Not all may apply to you, but they will all enter into your decision to take a medication or not. Even if you decide you want to take a medication, it is not always easy to remember to take it. After all, we are humans, not elephants: sometimes we do forget. It can be a challenge to make taking medications a part of your daily routine, but it can become as natural as brushing your teeth or having a meal.

However, taking medications as prescribed is important. Using medications, the right way will help you to:

• get the full benefits of your medication.If you only take half of the medication that was recommended, you will not get the full benefits of the dose that your doctor recommended.
• avoid unwanted side effects.If you take more medication than recommended because you want more of the benefits of the medication, you are at an increased risk of getting side effects. And you may not get additional benefits.
• avoid medication conflicts. Some medications should not be taken together. If they are, the effect of one or both of the medications can be increased or decreased, leading to potential problems.

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 people do not get their prescription filled at all (for some health conditions, this figure reaches as high as 50%).

30% of people stop taking a medication before they are scheduled to.

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 not taking their medications properly
• not taking medications properly was a factor in 20% of preventable adverse reactions to medications
• adverse reactions to medications may be the one of the top 10 leading causes of death

However, there is a lot you can do to help take your medication as prescribed. Speak to your pharmacist to learn more about how to take your medication and what to do if you are having trouble using it as prescribed.

It is often hard to fit taking medications into your schedule, especially if you are taking several medications. The key to success is finding a system that works for you, which fits into your lifestyle and habits.

Here are some tips to help you remember to take your medication:

Make taking medication part of your daily routine. Take it right before or after another activity that you do every day, such as dressing, eating breakfast (if taking the medication with food is okay), taking a shower, going to bed – whatever is appropriate for you.

Try placing the medication vial in a place where you will see it. Near the coffee pot, by the door, or next to your keys are a few good places. Keep in mind that the place you choose should be out of the reach of children and the medication is away from strong light, heat, and humidity.

Set an alarm (on your watch, clock, electronic organizer, cell phone, laptop, or iPad) to remind you when it’s time for your next dose.

Get a friend to remind you.

Leave notes around the house where you will see them. Consider places such as the bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, TV remote control, or next to the place where you put your wallet or purse.

You might have to mix and match these ideas to find what works for you.

It is often difficult to fit medications into your schedule, especially if you are taking numerous medications. The key to successful medication management is to find a system for organizing and remembering to take your medications that is right for you.

Here are some tips to help you manage your medication schedule:

Incorporate taking medication into part of your daily routine. Take it right before or after another activity that you do on a daily basis, such as dressing, eating breakfast (ensure that the medication can be taken with food before trying this), taking a shower, or going to bed.

Try placing the medication vial in a place where you will see it. Near the coffee pot or by the door are a couple of good places. Be sure that the place you choose is out of the reach of children and away from strong light, heat, and humidity.

Create a dose tracker and mark the doses you have taken on a calendar.

Use a compliance aid

Compliance aids

Blister pack: A blister pack is a special method of packing medications that many pharmacies offer, where each dose of medication is placed in a small plastic bubble and backed by a sheet of foil. Generally, each plastic bubble contains only one pill, but it may contain more depending on the dose of the medication (e.g., if the dose is for 2 pills, then 2 pills would be found in the same plastic bubble). A blister pack usually has enough doses for up to a week at a time. When it is time to take the medication, you simply push the pill(s) through the foil of the blister packing. This way, you can readily see which doses you have taken.

Dosettes: A “dosette” is a container that allows you to store and organize your medications into compartments for specified times of the day (morning, noon, afternoon, and bedtime), usually for up to a week at a time. When it is time to take the medication, you take the pill(s) out of the compartment for the specified time. This way, you can see whether you have taken your last dose of medication. You can fill the dosette yourself, or have it filled by a pharmacist or nurse (which is a good idea if you have a complicated schedule). Dosettes may also come with alarms that beep when it is time for your next dose.

Alarms: Alarms can be set to go off (beeping or vibrating) when it is time for a dose of your medication. You can use a watch, alarm clock, electronic organizer, or cell phone. Alarms are also found on some dosettes or medication containers.

Finding compliance aids

Visit Medlandia pharmacy: Visit Medlandia pharmacy and ask for dosettes, prescription reminders, or other compliance aids. Talk to your pharmacist about which one would be best for you, and how you may order a compliance aid should it not available.

Browse the Internet: Here are some compliance aid companies:

• Dynamic Living: Shop for a variety of dosettes and alarms.
• E-pill: Shop for a variety of watches, alarm clocks, pagers, dosettes, and medication caps that beep when it is time for the next dose.
• WatchMinder: A programmable sports watch.
  Online pharmacy sites.

Taking your medication in front of other people may make you feel embarrassed. It is normal to feel this way, especially after you have just started to take a medication.

To feel more comfortable:

• excuse yourself and find some privacy to take your medication (e.g., in the bathroom)
• give others some information: people will often be concerned and may want to know more. You do not have to tell them everything about your health but you may want to provide them with some information (especially to those you trust) – this may make them less concerned or curious and lead to less stress for you in the long run.
• keep in mind that although you might feel awkward, those around you may be more accepting of people taking medication in front of others as they take medication too.
• look online or in a directory of community support groups to see if there is a group to meet your needs – other people with the same condition may have good advice to offer.

• Most medications should be stored in a dry place away from heat and humidity.
• Keep your medication out of the reach of children.
• Some medications also have special instructions for storage. Check for special instructions on your prescription label.
• If your medication needs to be protected from light, keep the medication in its original container and store it in a container that filters out light.
• If your medication needs to be refrigerated, and you do not have a fridge available (for example, if you are working outside or on the road all day), try using a cooler with an ice pack. An ordinary cooler found at hardware or sporting goods stores will do.
• Keep track of the expiry dates of the medications. The ideal way to do this is to keep the medications in their original prescription vial. You can also write this information on a sticker and stick it on the container that you are using for the medication.
• Don’t store multiple medications in the same vial, as this makes it hard to keep track of which medications are which, which doses have been taken, and what the expiry dates are.
• If you are unsure of how to store your medication, ask your pharmacist.

You are taking the medication exactly as your doctor prescribed, but you aren’t sure if your medication is working. There may be a number of reasons:

It may take time. Some medications take days or weeks to work. If you are taking one of these medications, it may simply not have reached its full effect yet.

Medications that may take time to work:

• Antidepressants
• skin medications
• certain asthma medications (corticosteroid inhalers)
• high blood pressure medications
• cholesterol medications
• thyroid medications
• osteoporosis medications

Other medications not listed here may also take time to work. To check your medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Some medications need to be taken in a special way in order to work properly, such as with or without food, or at specific times of the day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

The dose may not be right for you. Medications may not work optimally if they are not given at the proper dose.

This may not be the best medication for you. Sometimes, a medication may not work for everyone. Don’t be discouraged if this happens to you – talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Often, they can suggest another medication or treatment that may work better for you.

You may have a condition where you don’t feel symptoms. Many conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol have no symptoms. The only way to see if they are working is to have a test.

Side effects are a serious concern for some people, and they often make you unsure if you wish to keep taking the medication. Here are a few tips to help you cope:

Find out more about your medication’s side effectsby talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you are experiencing side effects, always let your doctor or pharmacist know! Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects that you are concerned about. They may be able to suggest ways of avoiding or coping with these side effects.

Some side effects only occur when you start taking a medication or when a dose is increased, but then go away after you have taken the medication for a while. Other side effects can be a sign of a serious reaction to the medication, that’s why you need to talk to a health care professional.

If side effects are too much of a problem, your doctor may prescribe a different medication to treat your condition.

Here are some tips for masking a bad taste:

• Place the medication in a small amount of food. If the medication is a tablet that cannot be crushed (e.g., extended-release tablets), make sure you swallow the food without chewing. Do not do this if your doctor or pharmacist has told you that the medication must not be taken with food. If you are unsure whether your medication can be taken with food, check with your doctor or pharmacist, or check the label on the bottle or information sheet from the pharmacy.
• For liquid medications, combine it with a small amount of a better-tasting liquids, such as juice or milk. Do not do this if your doctor or pharmacist has told you that the medication must not be taken with juice or milk.
• Get a large glass of water ready. Hold your nose, place the medication on the back of your tongue, and then swallow the medication with some water. Use the rest of the water to rinse out your mouth, and then unplug your nose. This works for all kinds of medications, including those that must not be taken with food.
• Try sucking on an ice cube to numb your mouth before taking the medication.

Try these tips for easier swallowing*

• Check to see if you can break, split, or crush your medication into smaller pieces that are easier to swallow. Not all medications can be crushed or broken, so check with your pharmacist before you try this.
• For capsules, pull the capsule apart by holding on to both ends and twisting it to empty the medication into a small amount of food. For slow-release capsules, this may still be done as long as the contents are swallowed without chewing. Check with your pharmacist, or look at the prescription label or information sheet from your pharmacy to make sure you can take your medication with food.
• Check to see if the medication comes in a smaller tablet, as a liquid, or if your pharmacist can make the medication in liquid form for you.
• Place medication in a small amount of food. Some medications can’t be taken with food, so check before trying this.
• Place medication at the back of the tongue, tilt your head back slightly then take a drink of water to wash it down.

Try these tips for making your medication containers easier to open:

• Non-childproof lids:Most medications are dispensed in childproof containers. Childproof lids can be very difficult to open. If you are having trouble, ask your pharmacist for non-childproof lids. Remember to always keep medications well away from children.
• Dosettes:Some pharmacies will package your medication in a dosette for you – find out if your pharmacy offers this service. Alternatively, you can purchase dosette containers and package them for yourself.
• Blister packs:Some pharmacies will package your medication in blister packs – find out if your pharmacy offers this service.

Dosettes:

• A “dosette” is a container where you can store and organize your medications into compartments for different times of the day (e.g., morning, noon, afternoon, or bedtime), usually for up to a week at a time. This way, you can see whether you have taken your last dose of medication. You can fill it yourself or have it filled by a pharmacist (which is a good idea if you have a complicated schedule).
• Dosettes may also come with alarms that beep when it is time for your next dose.

Blister pack:

A “blister pack” is a special method of packing medications, where each dose of medication is placed in a small plastic bubble and backed by a sheet of foil. Medications are organized by day, usually for up to a week at a time. When it is time to take the medication, you simply push the pill through the blister packing. This way, you can see which doses you have taken.

Other hints: Some conditions, such as arthritis, can make it difficult to open containers. Some people find placing elastic bands around the bottle top makes opening a container easier for people with arthritis and other conditions. Talk to others to see what they do to help open medication bottles. If you have had surgery or have a cast, ask the person picking up your prescription to ask the pharmacist to give you an easy-open bottle.

For day trips

If you are going away for the day, or travelling to school or work, there are three main things to consider: carrying your medications, storing your medications, and remembering to take your medications. Simply planning ahead will help you to be more confident.

Carrying your medications

There are two options:

Carry each medication in its original bottle: For children, school policies often require that medications be kept in their original, labelled container. If you are sending a child to school with medications, find out about your school’s policy on medications.

The original bottle has valuable information on it: the name of the medication, the name of the person who is taking the medication, the storage precautions, the dose, and the expiry date. It is usually best to keep a single supply of medication so that you can keep track of its expiry date and storage instructions. If you must keep two separate supplies of medication, get extra labelled bottles from your pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

Carry your medications in a dosette: Dosettes are special containers (or “pill boxes”) that are used to pack up a supply of medications (usually for a day or a week). All medications that are to be taken together at a certain time (at bedtime, for example) are kept in the same compartment.

Dosettes help you to remember whether you have taken your medication. But, once the medication is packed, the information on the label of the original bottle is lost. If you use a dosette, have a pharmacist pack it for you, or get someone to check it if you pack it yourself. This is a good option for people with many medications, or people who have trouble remembering whether they have taken their medication.

Storing your medications

• When you arrive at your destination, store your medication according to its storage instructions. Some medications have special instructions, such as keeping them in the fridge. In general, medications should be kept in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children. Avoid excess heat and humidity, which can destroy many medications. The glove compartment of your car is a bad place to store medications, because it can reach both very high and very low temperatures.
• If you notice that a particular medicine has a strange look (for example, a normally clear liquid has turned cloudy), smell, or taste, do not take it. Bring it to a pharmacy to dispose of it and get a new supply.
• Check expiry dates on medications that you may have stored in different places (e.g., at work or school). Don’t continue to use medications after they have expired.

Remembering to take your medications

• Try to coordinate taking your medication at the same time you do other routine activities. Should you decide to coordinate it with eating a meal, check to see if your medication can be taken with food. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Create reminders for yourself. Set your watch or phone to beep when it’s time for the next dose, or write the scheduled medication time into your date book or calendar.
• If you have a busy schedule, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about simplifying your medication schedule. There may be medications that you can take less often during the day, or combination products that will save you from carrying extra medication supplies.
• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about how you should adjust your medication schedule to account for changes in diet and routine, such as what to do if you miss a dose.

Long trips or out-of-country trips

When you will be away for a long period of time, or if your trip requires you to leave the country, you will need to address a few additional concerns:

Things to bring

• Have extra medication on hand for the trip and consider carrying essential medication in two separate places just in case you lose a bag. Do not risk running out of medication, as your medication may not be available in all countries. Also, some countries may not have the same standards of quality for medications. If your condition is subject to flare-ups, take along enough medication to cover you through a flare-up.
• Have your physician write a letter (on letterhead stationery), signed and dated, listing your medication requirements for your condition. Carry this letter with you at all times. If you do not have such a letter, your medications may be confiscated at certain border crossings. Having this letter may also be useful in case of emergency.
• Carry duplicate copies of prescriptions in case your medications are lost or stolen. Make sure that the doctor uses the generic name to write your prescriptions, as trade names often vary between countries.
• Know the emergency numbers, and keep your health insurance card with you at all times. Also, keep a list of your medications with you at all times.
• If you have medication allergies, consider getting and wearing a MedicAlert bracelet.

Medication packing tips

• If you are leaving the country, carry all medicines in their original containers so that they are readily identifiable. To avoid problems at the border, do not combine medications into one container.
• Store your medications in your carry-on luggage. There is no temperature control in the cargo area, so medications may be damaged. If your luggage is lost, it may take some time to be recovered, and you will be without your medication during this time.

Questions to ask before you go

• Discuss your travel plans with your doctor or pharmacist before you go, especially if you have medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy.
• Check with your doctor or a travel medicine clinic to see whether you need to have any immunizations or take any special precautions when visiting your travel destination. Many immunizations must be given weeks in advance. Some travel destinations may require you to take medications (e.g., for malaria prevention).
• If you have conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or lung disease, you may need special instructions, immunizations, medications, or equipment in preparation for travel. Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if there are any special instructions for people with your health condition.
• If for some reason, you do run out of medication (or if it gets lost or stolen), you will need to see a doctor in the country you are visiting. If you have health insurance, the health insurance company may be able to recommend a doctor. You can also ask your doctor for the names of physicians in places where you’re travelling in case you need to visit one. The International Association for Medical Assistance of Travelers (IAMAT), or the international association for your condition (e.g., International Diabetes Association) may also be able to recommend doctors in other parts of the world. In some cases, you may need to pay cash for medical services in the country that you are visiting.
• Be sure that you know both the brand name and the generic name of your medications. Brand names may be different in other countries, but generic names are usually the same.
• Review your dosing schedule with your pharmacist, especially if you will be changing time zones. Make sure that you know the following details about all of your medications:
• generic name and brand name
  how to take it: dose, number of times per day, with or without food
  what to do if you miss a dose
  side effects
  drug and food interactions (you may try different foods while traveling)

If you have a health insurance plan, check to see if you are covered for travel to your destination. Find out what services are covered. If you are not comfortable with the level of coverage, purchase additional medical insurance.

And finally, enjoy your trip!

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 into the Diskhaler®.

Get ready for the dose: Gently push in and pull out the cartridge until the number “4” appears in the side indicator window. This number tells you how many doses are left in the cartridge. When the number “1” appears, you have one dose left. After taking this dose, you will need to replace the disk by repeating step 1.

Get ready to inhale: Hold the Diskhaler® level. Lift up the rear edge of the lid as far as it will go. This will allow the plastic needle to pierce the blister package. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the blister must be pierced. You may feel some resistance when this happens. Once both surfaces of the blister have been pierced, close the lid again. Do not lift the lid unless the cartridge is completely inside the Diskhaler® body or completely removed, as this could break the needle.

Inhale: Keep the Diskhaler® level. Breathe out fully, then place the Diskhaler® mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Do not bite the mouthpiece or cover up the air intake holes on the side. Breathe in as steadily and deeply as you can. Then, hold your breath if you can and remove the Diskhaler® from your mouth. Keep holding your breath for as long as it is comfortable. Breathe out slowly.

Get ready for the next inhalation: Push in and pull out the cartridge as described in step 2. Do not pierce the blister until just before your next inhalation.
After you are finished with the Diskhaler®, put the cap back on.

How to look after the Diskhaler®

To clean, remove the cartridge and use the brush provided to clear away any remaining powder. Do this before inserting a new disk. When you clean the Diskhaler®, the tray and wheel should be removed from the Diskhaler® body.

Replace the Diskhaler® after 6 months of use.

*Different medications come in Diskhaler® form. This information is intended to provide general instructions for the use of a Diskhaler®. Instructions may vary for different products. If these instructions are different from those given by your doctor or pharmacist, check with your doctor or pharmacist to confirm how you should be using the product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific information about your particular medication.

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 lie down with the affected ear facing towards the ceiling.
Pull the auricle (the top of the outer ear) upward and backward in adults and children over 3 years of age, or downward and backward in children under 3 years of age. This will straighten out the ear canal.
Instill the required number eardrops into the ear canal. Do not allow the dropper to touch the ear or other surfaces, as this could contaminate the dropper.
Remain in position for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the eardrops to act. This period of time depends on the medication being used. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should remain in position after the eardrops have been instilled. After using certain medications, such as Cerumenex®(triethanolamine polypeptide oleate-condensate), the ear must be gently flushed out with water after the drops have been used.
If you are giving drops in both ears, wait 5 to 10 minutes between ears to allow the ear drops to run into the ear canal.

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 tip from the enema bottle.
Gently insert the enema nozzle into the rectum, with the tip pointing towards the navel. If this causes pain, or if you are having trouble inserting the enema tip, stop. Do not force the enema tip into the rectum – this could cause injury. Pull out the nozzle and try inserting again. Some enema nozzles are pre-lubricated. If the nozzle is not pre-lubricated, you may wish to lubricate it before inserting.
Once the nozzle is comfortably inserted into the rectum, empty the enema container slowly. Squeeze the container from the end, until almost all of the liquid is gone. Don’t worry about emptying the container completely because it is designed to contain extra liquid.
Remove the enema tip from the rectum.
Wait, then evacuate your bowels by having a bowel movement. The amount of time that you should wait before having a bowel movement depends on the product being used. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out how long to wait before having a bowel movement.
If you do not have a bowel movement after using the enema, or if you have bleeding from the rectum, stop using the enema and consult your doctor.

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.
Open the ointment tube. Do not touch anything with the tip of the tube. Many tubes have a metal skin on the opening that must be pierced using the spike on the lid of the tube. When the tube is opened for the first time, the first 0.25 cm (0.1 inch) of ointment should be thrown away, as it may have become too dry.
Lie down or tilt your head back.
With eyes open, pull the lower lid down to form a pouch.
Hold the ointment tube nearly horizontally and bring it towards your eye from the side until the tube is about 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from your eye. Look at the ceiling by moving your eyes but not your head.
Apply a ribbon of ointment along the lower lid. The ribbon should be about 1 cm (0.4 inches) long. Avoid touching the tip of the ointment tube to any surface, including your eyelids, lashes, or fingers. You do not need to apply the ointment all of the way across the lower lid. Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.
Twist your wrist to break off the ribbon of ointment from the tube.
Gently release the lower lid.
Close the eyes gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Roll eyeball in all directions so that the ointment coats the eye.
If you are taking more than one ointment, wait about 10 minutes between applications. If you are using both eye drops and ointment, use the drops first, wait 5 minutes, then apply the ointment.
Use a clean, soft tissue to wipe away any excess ointment from around your eye.
Use another tissue to wipe the cap of the ointment tube.
Tightly replace the cap on the ointment tube to prevent it from drying out.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Your vision may be blurred for a few minutes after you use the eye ointment. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision has returned to normal.

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 other hand on the thumb grip. Push your thumb away from you as far as it will go. When you take your Diskus® out of the box for the first time, it will be in the closed position.

Slide: Hold your Diskus® with the mouthpiece towards you. Slide the lever away from you as far as it will go – until it clicks. Your Diskus® is now ready to use. Every time the lever is pushed back, a dose is made available for inhaling. This is shown by the dose counter. Do not play with the lever – this releases doses that will be wasted.

Inhale: Before you start to inhale the dose, read through this section carefully.
Hold the Diskus® away from your mouth.
Breathe out as far as is comfortable, and remember to never breathe into your Diskus®.
Put the mouthpiece to your lips.
Breathe in steadily and deeply through the Diskus® and not through your nose.
Remove the Diskus® from your mouth.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or for as long as is comfortable.
Breathe out slowly.

Close: To close your Diskus®, put your thumb on the thumb grip and slide the thumb grip back towards you as far as it will go. When you close the Diskus®, it clicks shut. The lever automatically returns to its original position and is reset. Your Diskus® is now ready for you to use again.

Rinse your mouth: If you are using a Diskus® that contains a corticosteroid medication, rinse your mouth and gargle with water, then spit out the water. This step is not necessary if you are using a Diskus® that contains a bronchodilator. If you are unsure whether the medication in your Diskus® is a corticosteroid or a bronchodilator, ask your pharmacist.

Second dose (only if instructed by doctor): If your doctor has instructed you to take 2 inhalations (doses), close the Diskus® and repeat stages 1 to 5. If you are using a Diskus® that contains a corticosteroid medication, you only need to rinse your mouth after the second dose. The Diskus® has a dose counter that tells you the number of doses remaining. It counts down from 28 or 60 to 1. The last 5 doses will appear in red.

How to look after the Diskus®

Keep the Diskus® dry.

Keep the Diskus® closed when not in use.

Never breathe into the Diskus®.

Only slide the lever when you are ready to take a dose.

When the red number 5 appears in the dose counter, it is time to get a new Diskus® so you will be ready when the doses run out.

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 use. Do not swallow capsules that are meant to be used with the Handihaler®.
Place the capsule of medication in the hole in the centre of the chamber of the Handihaler®. It doesn’t matter which end goes in first.
Close the mouthpiece – you will hear a click.
Press the button on the side once for as far as it will go. This will pierce the capsule so that the medication is ready for you to inhale. Remember to keep the device upright when pressing the button.
Breathe out, put the mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips tightly around it. Make sure you are not breathing into the mouthpiece.
Keeping your head in an upright position and the Handihaler® in a horizontal position, breathe in slowly and as deeply as you can. You should hear or feel the capsule in the device vibrate.
Take the Handihaler® out of your mouth and hold your breath for as long as is comfortable. Then breathe out as you normally do.
If you’re not sure if you received the full dose of the medication, you may repeat steps 7 to 9. Do not press the button on the side again.
After you’ve taken your dose, open the mouthpiece again and throw away the empty capsule. Close the mouthpiece and cover.
Take a drink of water if your throat becomes irritated afterwards.

How to look after the Handihaler®:

To clean, open the cover and mouthpiece. Open the base by lifting the button on the side. Remove any powder buildup or capsule fragments from the device, especially in the capsule chamber. Rinse the Handihaler® with warm water only. Allow 24 hours to air dry.

Clean the Handihaler® at least once a month, more often if needed. When you decide to clean your Handihaler®, do it immediately after you use it so that there will be enough time for it to air dry before your next dose.

Do not store capsules in the device. Only insert the capsule into the Handihaler® immediately before using.

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 the mouthpiece of the inhaler.
Gently shake the inhaler well (although most inhalers should be shaken before use, some do not need to be shaken – check with your pharmacist).
Breathe out as completely as possible.
Tilt your head back slightly. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it (do not bite it). To allow the medication to enter your lungs, keep your teeth apart and your tongue flat on the floor of your mouth. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth as you press the canister into the mouthpiece.
Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable, then breathe out slowly through your nose.
If you are using more than one puff, wait for about half a minute and then repeat steps 2 to 6.
Put the cap back on the inhaler.
Rinse your mouth with water for all corticosteroid inhalers. This is not necessary for bronchodilator inhalers. If you are unsure whether the medication in your inhaler is a corticosteroid or a bronchodilator, ask your pharmacist.

How to care for your inhaler

For most inhalers, wash the mouthpiece twice a week. Remove the plastic mouthpiece from the metal canister and wash the plastic mouthpiece in warm water. Allow the mouthpiece to air dry overnight, then reinsert the canister back into the plastic mouthpiece. Please note that some products recommend that you clean the mouthpiece every week with a dry piece of tissue and avoid washing your inhaler with water or any other type of liquid. Check with your pharmacist to find out which instructions apply to your inhaler.

How to make sure you are using the inhaler properly

From time to time, check your technique in front of a mirror. Watch for white mist escaping into the air as you use the inhaler. This means that some medication is being lost into the air. Check to make sure that you are closing your lips fully around the mouthpiece, and that you are inhaling as you press down the canister. Do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for tips on how to use your inhaler properly.

Blow your nose gently.
Wash your hands well with soap and water.
Remove the packaging from the nasal spray pump.
Some nasal sprays need to be primed before use. As well, some nasal sprays need to be shaken. Check with your pharmacist to see whether your nasal spray needs to be primed or shaken. If your spray needs to be primed before using, spray it a few times into the air and keep it well away from your eyes.
Close one nostril and keep your head upright, but not tilted backward.
Insert the nasal spray tip into the other nostril. Keep the bottle pointing upright, and point the tip toward the back and outer side of the nose.
Administer the required number of sprays into the nostril. Remember to breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose as you depress the applicator, and breathe out through your mouth after each spray.
Remove the nasal spray tip from your nose and tilt your head back.
If needed, repeat steps 5 to 8 in the other nostril, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Put the cap back onto the nasal spray container.
Try not to blow your nose for several minutes after using the spray.

A patch is used to deliver medication through your skin into your bloodstream. While you wear a patch it provides a steady flow of medication into your body.

Find an appropriate place to put the patch:

Choose a dry, unbroken, non-hairy part of your skin. The buttocks, lower abdomen, lower back, and upper arm (outer part) are good choices. If the area you choose has body hair, clip (do not shave) the hair close to the skin with scissors. For women: If you are using a patch containing any type of estrogen (such as estradiol-17β, found in medications such as Climara® or Estraderm®) or nicotine (such as Nicoderm® or Habitrol®), do not apply it to your breasts.

Make sure that the area is clean. If there is any oil or powder (from bath products, for example), the patch may not stick properly.

Do not put the patch on skin that is burned, broken out, cut, irritated, or damaged in any way. If you need to clean the skin where the patch will be applied, use only clear water. Soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or other products may irritate the skin under the patch.

Attach the patch to your skin:

Remove the patch from its package. Do not do this until right before you are ready to use the patch.

A stiff protective liner covers the sticky side of the patch – the side that will be put on your skin. Hold the liner at the edge and pull the patch from the liner. Try not to touch the adhesive side of the patch. Throw away the liner.

Attach the adhesive side of the patch to your skin in the chosen area.

Press the patch firmly on your skin with the palm of your hand for about 30 seconds. Make sure the patch sticks well to your skin, especially around the edges. If the patch does not stick well or loosens after you put it on, tape the edges down with first aid tape.

Wash your hands after applying the patch.

Wear the patch for the prescribed amount of time:

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out how often your patch should be changed. Some patches have special labels to help you remember when to change to a new patch.

Contact with water, when you are bathing, swimming, or showering, should not affect the integrity of the patch. Very hot water or steam may loosen the patch. In the unlikely event that a patch should fall off, a new patch must be applied for the remainder of the time you are required to wear the patch (as instructed by your doctor).

If you are having patches fall off regularly, this could be happening as a result of using bath oil, using soaps with a high cream content, or using skin moisturizers before applying the patch. Patches may stick better if you avoid using these products. If you would like to use skin moisturizers, apply the patch first, then use the lotion on areas not covered by the patch.

Some patches should not be exposed to heat while you are wearing them, as this increases the rate at which the drug enters your body. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether your patch should not be exposed to heat.

After wearing the patch for the prescribed period of time, remove the patch and throw it away:

Be sure to throw away the patch so that it is safely out of the reach of children or pets (e.g., by folding it in half so that the adhesive side sticks together and flushing it down the toilet). The adhesive and the medication remaining in the patch could seriously harm a child or pet.

Any adhesive from the patch that might remain on your skin can be easily rubbed off.

Apply a new patch:

Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the new patch. The new patch should be placed on a different skin site. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to find out how long you should wait before using the same skin site again. Before applying a new patch, make sure you have removed the old one.

How to look after the patch

Store the patch in its protective package at temperatures below 30°C.

Apply the patch immediately after you remove it from its protective package.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets before and after use.

Do not cut the patch in half. This will cause the drug to leak out. This would be unsafe (as you could end up receiving too much medication) and prevent the patch from working properly. If for some reason, the patch is punctured and the contents leak onto your hands, rinse them thoroughly with water.

Remove the Rotahaler® from its container.
Hold the Rotahaler® by the mouthpiece. Twist the barrel in either direction until it stops.
Take a Rotacap® from its container. Hold the Rotahaler® vertically and press the Rotacap® firmly, clear end first, into the raised square hole. Make sure that the top of the Rotacap is level with the top of the hole. This will push the used Rotacap® shell, if one is there, into the Rotahaler®.
Hold the Rotahaler® level (horizontal) with the white dot upper-most. Twist the barrel until it stops. This separates the 2 halves of the Rotacap®. The Rotahaler® is now ready to use.
Breathe out slowly and fully, then immediately…
…raise the Rotahaler® to your mouth. Be sure to keep it level. Place the mouthpiece over your tongue and well into your mouth. Close your lips around the mouthpiece and tilt your head slightly backwards.
Breathe in through your mouth as deeply and fully as you can.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable and remove the Rotahaler® from your mouth. Hold your breath as long as you comfortably can before breathing out.
Pull the 2 halves of the Rotahaler® apart and discard the empty Rotacap® shells. There is no need to remove the shell that is still lodged in the square hole, except before cleaning.
Reassemble the Rotahaler®.
If your doctor has instructed you to use a second Rotacap®, repeat steps 2 to 10.
Rinse mouth with water.

How to look after the Rotahaler®

Always keep the Rotahaler® in its container to keep it clean.
At least every 2 weeks, wash the 2 halves of your Rotahaler® in warm water, making sure beforehand that the empty Rotacap® shell is removed from the raised square hole. Dry the Rotahaler® completely before putting it back together.
Get a replacement Rotahaler® after you have used it for 6 months. Make a note of the date on which you got your current Rotahaler® so that you will know when to replace it.
Do not swallow the Rotacaps®.
Only insert Rotacaps® into the Rotahaler® immediately before using.

Wash and dry your hands well.
Open the sachet and press out a Spincap® through the foil.
Hold the Spinhaler® upright with the mouthpiece pointing downwards; then unscrew the body.
Check that the propeller is on its spindle, and then firmly push a Spincap® (coloured end downwards) into the cup of the propeller. Make sure that the propeller spins easily and then screw the body tightly back onto the mouthpiece.
Still holding the Spinhaler® upright, slide the outer sleeve as far down as it will go and then back up again. This pierces the Spincap® and makes the Spinhaler® ready for use.
Make sure the mouthpiece and the body of the Spinhaler® are still tightly screwed together.
Breathe out, put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it so that they are right up against the lip of the Spinhaler®.
Tilt your head well back and breathe in as deeply as you can.
Hold your breath for as long as comfortable, then take the Spinhaler® out of your mouth and breathe out.
Keep repeating this process until the Spincap® is empty. 2 or 3 breaths should be enough. It does not matter if a little powder is left.
Take a drink of water should your throat become irritated afterwards.

How to look after the Spinhaler®

Always keep your Spinhaler® in its container. This will make ensure that dirt cannot get into it.

For best results, the parts of the Spinhaler® must be kept free from any powder residue. At least once a week, it is important that you brush off any powder left sticking to the propeller and wash all parts of the Spinhaler® in warm water. Make certain components of the Spinhaler® are completely dry before putting it back together.

Wash your hands well with soap and water.
If the suppository feels too soft to insert, hold it under cool water (before removing the wrapper) to harden it.
Remove the plastic or foil wrapper completely.
If desired, use cool water or KY jelly (or another water-based lubricant) to lubricate the suppository tip and the rectum.
Lie on your side with the bottom leg straight and the upper leg bent up towards your chest. Gently push the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first. The suppository should be pushed past the muscular sphincter of the rectum (a few centimetres), so that it does not pop out. Close your legs and remain lying down for approximately 5 minutes. If the medication is for constipation, you should feel the urge for a bowel movement within about 15 to 60 minutes. If not, a suppository should be used at bedtime so that the medication is thoroughly absorbed. There may be some leakage in the morning.
Wash your hands well with soap and water.

There are two types of Turbuhaler®:

Medication that is inhaled through the mouth into the lungs (e.g., Bricanyl®, Oxeze®, Pulmicort®).
Medication is inhaled into the nose using a nasal adapter (e.g., Rhinocort®).

A. General instructions for a Turbuhaler® where medication is inhaled through the mouth into the lungs.

Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
Load a dose by holding the inhaler upright. Turn the grip dial (coloured base portion) as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it back to the original position. The “click” you hear means that the inhaler is ready to use. Keep the inhaler upright until you are ready to inhale the dose. If you drop the inhaler or if it falls over before you inhale it, you must repeat step 2.
Breathe out normally. Note: Never breathe out through the mouthpiece.
Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not chew or bite down hard on the mouthpiece. Inhale forcefully and deeply through your mouth. You may not feel or taste any medication when you are inhaling – this is common. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to tell whether your medication is working.
Remove the inhaler. If your doctor has prescribed more than one dose, repeat steps 2 to 4.
Replace the cover.
Rinse your mouth with water (applies to a Turbuhaler® containing a steroid medication; check with your pharmacist if you aren’t sure whether your Turbuhaler® contains a steroid medication).

B. General instructions for a Turbuhaler® where medication is inhaled into the nose using a nasal adapter.

Unscrew the cover and lift it off.
Load a dose by holding the inhaler upright. Turn the grip (coloured base portion) as far as it will go in one direction then turn it back to the original position. When you hear a “click,” the inhaler is ready to use. Keep the inhaler upright until you are ready to inhale the dose. If you drop the inhaler or if it falls over before you inhale the dose, you must repeat step 2.
Breathe out normally. Note: Never breathe out through the nasal adapter.
Place the nasal adapter in the nostril so that it fits tightly. Close the other nostril with a finger. Sniff quickly and forcefully.
Remove the inhaler before breathing out. If you are using a dose in each nostril, repeat steps 2 to 4 for the other nostril.
If your doctor has prescribed more than one dose, repeat steps 2 to 5.
Replace the cover.
Rinse your mouth with water.

How do I take proper care of the Turbuhaler®?

Clean the outside of the mouthpiece or nasal adapter once a week with a dry tissue. Never use water or any other fluid. If fluid enters the inhaler, it may not work properly.

What do I do if I drop the Turbuhaler®?

If you accidentally drop, shake, or breathe out into the Turbuhaler® after it has been loaded, you will lose your dose. If this happens, you should load a new dose and inhale it.

How will I know when the Turbuhaler® is empty?

There are 2 types of indictors to show when the Turbuhaler® is running out of doses:

Type 1: The Turbuhaler® has a dose indicator that moves slowly each time you use a dose. A number indicates every 20th dose and a dash indicates every 10th dose. When a “0” appears in the middle of the window, the Turbuhaler® is empty and you should start a new inhaler. You should obtain your next inhaler before the dose indicator reaches “0” to ensure you don’t miss any doses of your medication. The empty Turbuhaler® should be discarded because it cannot be refilled.

Type 2: These types of Turbuhaler® have a dose indicator. When a red mark first appears in the window underneath the mouthpiece, there are about 20 doses left. Now is the time to get your next inhaler so you will be ready when the doses run out. When the red line reaches the bottom, the Turbuhaler® is empty. It should be discarded because it cannot be refilled.