Patient-Pharmacist Interaction on NSAID Avoidance

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

13 Aug 201802:57

Summary

TLDRIn this insightful pharmacy interaction, John, a recent hospital dischargee, seeks advice on his new prescription and discusses his health issues, including a twisted ankle and kidney concerns. The pharmacist emphasizes the risks of taking Ibuprofen due to potential kidney complications, suggesting a cold pack as a safer alternative. This conversation highlights the crucial role of pharmacists in patient care, emphasizing the importance of open communication about medical histories to ensure safe medication practices. John's grateful response reflects the value of this guidance in navigating his ongoing health challenges.

Takeaways

💊 The patient, John, dropped off a new prescription after a recent hospital stay.
🏥 John was hospitalized for 10 days due to an infection and needs refills for his medication.
📋 The pharmacy staff noticed that John's prescription was from the hospital and inquired about his recent medical history.
❗ John mentioned he was previously told not to take Tylenol, but thought Ibuprofen would be safe.
🩺 The pharmacy staff advised caution regarding Ibuprofen due to John's kidney health.
💧 Ibuprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which is a concern given John's recent kidney issues.
🧊 The staff recommended using a cold pack on John's swollen ankle instead of taking Ibuprofen.
⬆️ Elevating the ankle to a 45-degree angle is suggested for effective treatment.
📉 Combining Ibuprofen with John's existing medications could lead to further kidney complications.
🤝 The pharmacy staff emphasized the importance of discussing any concerns with John's doctor.

Q & A

What was John doing at the pharmacy?
-John was dropping off a new prescription and needed to refill his medications after being in the hospital.
How long did John stay in the hospital and why?
-John stayed in the hospital for about 10 days due to an infection related to fluid buildup.
What issue did John have with his prescriptions?
-John did not receive any new prescriptions while in the hospital and needed to refill his medications that were on auto-refill.
What injury did John sustain recently?
-John twisted his ankle while leaving his apartment, which was causing him significant pain.
What concern did the pharmacy staff have regarding John's medication?
-The staff was concerned that taking Ibuprofen could reduce blood flow to John's kidneys, especially given his medical history.
Why was Ibuprofen a concern for John’s condition?
-Ibuprofen can restrict blood flow to the kidneys, which is particularly problematic for someone with John's liver condition and previous kidney issues.
What alternative treatment did the pharmacy staff recommend for John's ankle?
-The pharmacy staff recommended using a cold pack and elevating the ankle to reduce swelling and discomfort.
What did John learn about his kidneys during his hospital stay?
-John was informed that his kidneys were not functioning well when he first arrived at the hospital, but he was told everything was back to normal upon discharge.
How did the pharmacy staff suggest activating the cold pack?
-To activate the cold pack, John was instructed to squeeze it and then place it around his ankle.
What did John express gratitude for during the interaction?
-John thanked the pharmacy staff for informing him about the risks of taking Ibuprofen and expressed concern about harming his kidneys.