Script: Patient Counselling
Pharmacist: Good morning sir, how may I help you?
Patient: I’m not feeling quite well and I just came from the clinic and I
would like to purchase these medicines prescribed by my doctor.
Pharmacist: May I know your name, sir?
Patient: I'm Jefferson Fusin.
Pharmacist: Ok Mr Jefferson, So written in your prescription are 21
tablets of 500mg/125mg of Co-amoxiclav and 500mg of Paracetamol.
Patient: Is that so?
Pharmacist: Yes sir.
Pharmacist: Do you have a spare minute for me to discuss your
medications, sir?
Patient: Sure.
Pharmacist: Sir, for your first medication you need to take
Paracetamol with food every 4 hours if your temperature remains
above 37.8°C.
Patient: Okay, I understand. But do you have Decolgen? I would also
like to purchase Decolgen.
Pharmacist: Decolgen for you, sir?
Patient: Yes, that's what I usually take every time I have a fever.
Pharmacist: But your doctor prescribed you with Paracetamol, sir.
Would you mind if I ask if you experience stuffy nose?
Patient: No, none at all.
Pharmacist: Okay sir, it is understood that you are quite confused
about these medications because as you know Paracetamol is a
medication used to treat your fever and mild to moderate pain while
Decolgen is used for the relief if you are experiencing clogged nose,
runny nose, postnasal drip, itchy and watery eyes and can also
relieve symptoms of fever like paracetamol. Since you mentioned that
you don't have other symptoms other than high temperature, hence,
the doctor prescribed you with just Paracetamol. If you take
Paracetamol, you don't have to take medicines with Paracetamol like
Decolgen. But if you start to experience sneezing, itchy nose or
throat, and runny nose you may take Decolgen but you have to stop
taking Paracetamol. Do I make myself clear, sir jefferson?
Patient: Yes, now I understand that these medications are actually
similar in some way.
Pharmacist: You need to make sure that you take the paracetamol
only with the recommended dose of your physician.
Patient: Sure.
Pharmacist: now you were also given an antibiotic which is an
amoxiclav 500mg 21 tablets for 7 days. Make sure to Space your
doses out evenly over the day. I advise you to take it before or after
your meals, that's breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also you have to
strictly complete the full course of your antibiotic, even if you feel
your infection or your fever has cleared up.
Patient: What if I forgot to take my antibiotic and missed a dose?
What shall I do?
Pharmacist: First you just have to take your missed dose as soon as
you remember or, if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip your
missed dose altogether and just continue with your schedule, never
double your dose for it might increase your risk of having side
effects.
Patient: Ok thanks, I get it.
Pharmacist: Are you taking other medications? or Herbal
supplements?
Patient: Ahh yes, I’m currently taking mx3 capsule daily, is it ok to
continue taking it?
Pharmacist: The best thing to do is to stop taking it for the time
being until you complete your antibiotics, because there’s a
tendency that these medications will interfere with the benefits of
your prescribed medications.
Patient: wow thanks for that. What are other things that I should
know?
Pharmacist: try to drink plenty of water while you are taking
co-amoxiclav, to help keep your kidneys working well. If you have an
allergic reaction such as any swelling around your mouth, any
difficulties breathing or a red rash contact a doctor for advice
straightaway.Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's
printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more
information about co-amoxiclav and will provide you with a full list of
the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
I think that’s everything you should know sir, I hope you’ll have a fast
recovery and always take good care of your health.
Patient: Thank you so much Ms Pharmacist, I could confidently take
my medications without worrying.
Pharmacist: Sure Sir Jefferson, so how many co amoxiclav and
paracetamol will you get?
Patient: I’ll take 21 tablets of the prescribed amoxiclav and 24 tablets
of Paracetamol.
Pharmacist: That'll be P1,089.00, I receive P1,100. And here’s your change
sir
Patient: *receives change*
Pharmacist: This time, can you please repeat what I have discussed
earlier? *gives medicine*
Patient: Sure, no problem. I have two medications – co amoxiclav and
paracetamol.
I’ll take Paracetamol with food every 4 hours if my temperature
remains above 37.8°C. And I’ll take my antibiotics before or after my
meals 3x a day, and if I miss a dose I'll just take it right away or wait
for the next schedule and I should strictly complete the time course.
Pharmacist: I’m glad you remembered sir Jefferson. Thank you for
your time and cooperation with me.
Patient: Okay. Thank you so much for your helpful information Ms
Pharmacist.
Pharmacist. Welcome. I am more than willing to serve sir Jefferson.
God bless.
FIN