Drug Use

This video explains in an entertaining and informative way why it is important to keep an updated list of all medications. This can prevent a mistake with your medicines like missing a dose of a medication you need, or getting two medications that shouldn't be taken together.

This essential, Canadian reference provides information on drug use, actions and side effects of major drug groups and more that 300 detailed profiles of drugs, vitamins, minerals and supplements. It includes a glossary of terms and an extensive A - Z index of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

This fact sheet provides information about types of opioids used to control pain, their safety and risks related to using opioids. 

Motherisk offers information on the impact of prescription and over the counter drugs, alcohol and other addictive substances on pregnancy and unborn children. The organization also provides counselling services to pregnant and breastfeeding women and their families.

This is a template for creating a personalized list of medications and supplements. This list can help you to manage your medications better and it can be shown to your doctors and dentists so they can watch out for side effects and interactions with other medications.

MedsCheck is a free program offered by the Ontario Ministry of Health for people who are taking 3 or more medications for chronic conditions. The web page provides information about MedsCheck programs for people with chronic conditions who are living at home or in long-term care homes. It also offers the MedsCheck Personal medication Record.

This resource provided by Health Canada focuses on the impact that incorrectly disposed pharmaceuticals have on our environment and health. It also outlines the recommended use and disposal of drugs. Additional links for further reading are provided.

This publication helps to better understand chronic non-cancer pain management using opioids. It focuses on opioids because they can be one of the more dangerous and misunderstood treatments. The publication helps to prepare for a discussion with a healthcare provider by providing a pain level assessment tool, pain diary, review of available treatments and an in-depth discussion of types of opioids, side effects and  possible risks.

The webpage offers articles and videos on proper handling medications at home. It provides advice on medication storage and use of medications. Special attention is given to use of opioids.

This resource explains eligibility and coverage of the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB). There is an additional explanation on coverage for certain types of medications and the explanation how the co-payment works. Applications for drug benefits and co-payment options are also provided.

A set of 5 questions that is nationally and internally recognized to help patients and caregivers in improving communications with their health care provider on their medications.

The website provides access to the program that helps you take control of your health and work with your doctor and the rest of your healthcare team to manage your medicines safely and appropriately. The program helps to create an up-to-date medication record, gives advice on communicating with your healthcare team and facilitates access to various health-related topics prepared by the leading health organizations in Canada.

MedEffect Canada provides consumers, patients, and health professionals with easy access to information on drug-related risks, adverse reactions, side effects and drug safety. There is also access to the latest drug advisories, warnings and recalls.

An online educational campaign and workshop designed to promote safe and appropriate medication use. This interactive program includes a ready-to-use PowerPoint presentation with presenter notes and handouts, tips for taking medications safely, feature articles, videos with experts and much more.

This website provides an overview of treatment options for people living with arthritis, including medications, surgery and natural treatments. Medication section provides information about the many drugs used to treat arthritis and arthritis-related conditions through the Arthritis Today Drug Guide. Surgery section describes different types of joint procedures and the section on alternative treatment discusses use of nutritional supplements, vitamins and other natural treatments.

This pamphlet offers suggestions on safe use, storage and management of medications.

This publication is for people living with cancer. It explains different types of pain and different ways of managing pain in cancer patients, including pain medications and alternative therapies. 

NCPIE works to address critical medicine safe use issues like adherence improvement, prescription drug abuse prevention, treatment and recovery, medication error reduction, quality improvements in healthcare provider – patient medicine communication and safe storage and disposal of medicines.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers simple strategies for senior on managing medications safely.

This guide provides information on frequently used drugs interactions with various foods and drinks, specifically with alcohol and coffee.  It describes possible side effects and harmful changes that may result from these interactions. The guide covers popular over-the-counter and prescription drugs but only those that are swallowed rather than injected, sprayed or administered in other ways. The guide is organized alphabetically by types of medical conditions and provides interaction information for commonly used medications for listed conditions. 

This web page explains how Parkinson can change person's mind, thinking and behaviour. Some of the most common problems experienced by patients are described and therapy options are also included.