Adapted from a Joint Statement of the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and the Consumers’ Association of Canada.
you (the patient) will:
- take part in decisions about your medicine
- ask questions and voice your concerns
- try to understand your health problem and what you can expect from your medicine
- talk to your doctor and pharmacist about your medicine and how to take it
- ask for printed information about your medicine
- ask about risks, benefits and possible side effects
- ask what food, drinks, other medicines or activities to avoid
- tell your pharmacist and doctor what other medicines you are taking – prescription, nonprescription, vitamins and herbal products
- use your medicine as directed
- get to know your medicine, what it looks like, its band and other names
- watch for problems and get help solving them
- not share your medicine with family or friends
your doctor and your pharmacist will both:
- work together to help you get the most from your medicine
- tell you what you can expect from your medicine
- tell you about benefits, risks and possible side effects
- look out for any harmful reactions and medicines that should not be take together
- keep records about the medicines you take and how you react
- keep all information about you private
- talk to you about healthy lifestyles
- work with other health care providers and care givers to help you
your doctor will:
- diagnose disease and illness and provide medical care
- work with you to set goals for your health
- decide if you need medicine
- follow how you respond to your medicine and make changes if needed
- monitor your progress towards your health goals
your pharmacist will:
- review your prescriptions and medicine record
- talk with you about your medicine, how to take it and common side effects
- follow how your medicine works for you and, if needed, talk to your doctor
- talk with you about nonprescription medicines and how to treat minor symptoms
- tell you if you should see your doctor or go to the hospital emergency
doctors and pharmacists agree:
- to respect your right to make informed decisions about your care
- to share information with each other to help you use your medicines properly
- to keep their knowledge up-to-date on medicines and their use
- to educate their patients about medicines and their use
- to respect and support your relationship with them
