Individualized Medication Preparation: Personalized Care for Your Health
Individualised Medication Preparation
Correia Rosa Pharmacies’ individualized medication preparation is an innovative service that offers personalized care. In this article, we explore what this service entails, its benefits, and who can benefit from it. We also share testimonials from customers satisfied with Correia Rosa Pharmacies’ individualized medication preparation service.
What is it?
The individualized medication preparation (PIM) service at Correia Rosa Pharmacies involves organizing and dispensing medications in a personalized manner, tailored to each customer’s specific needs. Available at Correia Rosa Pharmacies, this service ensures that every dose is correct and properly labeled, making it easier to administer the medication and adhere to the treatment plan.
Spot the differences
Both PIM and the organization of medication into weekly pill organizers involve removing the medications (tablets and capsules) from their original blister packs. Consequently, the medications are exposed to temperature and humidity while the weekly doses are being prepared.
Additionally, with weekly pill organizers, medications remain exposed for several days before being taken. This exposure can compromise the stability of the medications, potentially leading to a loss of efficacy or tablet disintegration. Therefore, to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments, it is recommended that weekly medication doses be prepared in a laboratory setting, adhering to good medication compounding practices.
Furthermore, medications should once again be stored in devices that make it easier to ensure recommended storage conditions. The devices used in the Correia Rosa Pharmacies’ PIM service are designed for this purpose—unlike the commonly used weekly pill organizers. By using these PIM devices and following the healthcare professional’s instructions and recommendations, parameters such as temperature and humidity are properly maintained.
Finally, when preparing medication boxes at home on a weekly basis, there is usually no one to oversee the entire process. We know that to err is human, which is why a double-check during medication preparation is so important. With the personalized medication preparation service at Correia Rosa pharmacies, all weekly doses are verified by a pharmacist before being handed over to the customer.
Benefits
- Precision and Safety: Individualized preparation significantly reduces the risk of medication administration errors, ensuring accurate dosage and timely medication intake.
- Convenience: Customers receive their medication organized into weekly doses in a blister pack, which makes it easier to follow the treatment regimen and prevents missed doses.
- Better Treatment Adherence: With medications organized in a practical, clear, and intuitive way, there is a greater likelihood of correctly following the therapeutic plan prescribed by the doctor.
- Professional Support: Preparation is carried out by specialized pharmacists and technicians, who are also available to answer questions and provide advice regarding the treatment.
Who is it for?
This service is especially useful for:
- Older adults: Older adults often take multiple medications daily and may have difficulty managing their medication correctly;
- People with Chronic Conditions: individuals with chronic conditions—such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart problems—can benefit from organizing their medication.
- People with complex therapeutic regimens: individuals with acute or chronic conditions requiring medications with complex dosing schedules—can benefit from the convenience this service offers.
- People with Cognitive Impairments: People with dementia or other cognitive conditions that affect the ability to manage medication independently.
- Caregivers: Family members and professionals caring for the sick can find in individualized preparation a way to ensure their loved ones take their medication correctly.
- Active individuals: people who are frequently away from home and need to have their medication prepared for specific periods (vacations, business trips, etc.). The device saves space and reduces the number of packages that need to be carried.
How does it work?
It all begins with an interview to gather all the patient’s medications, prescriptions, test results, and medical information. During this interview, the treatment regimen is reviewed to identify medication-related issues, clarify any questions, and demonstrate the use of the device.
7 parameters evaluated
- Therapeutic duplications – We check whether the client is taking different medications containing the same active substance, thereby avoiding unnecessary duplications that could cause adverse effects.
- Adverse effects – We assess the occurrence of side effects associated with prescribed medications, adjusting treatment as necessary to minimize risks.
- Therapeutic adherence – We verify whether the client is correctly following the prescribed therapeutic regimen, identifying and correcting potential lapses in treatment adherence.
- Potentially inappropriate medication – We review the list of medications to identify any medication that may be inappropriate for the client, especially in older adults or individuals with specific conditions.
- Interactions – We analyze the potential for interactions between prescribed medications, adjusting the treatment regimen to avoid adverse effects.
- Other medications – We consider the use of over-the-counter medications, supplements, or natural remedies the client may be taking, evaluating potential interactions or duplications.
- Untreated health issues – We identify any health condition that may be neglected or not adequately treated, recommending a medical consultation for further evaluation.
At the end of the interview, there is also an opportunity for the client and/or caregiver to raise any questions or concerns regarding medication intake.
Preparation of Medication
After all the information has been analyzed, the preparation of the medication begins:
- Weekly Preparation: Medication is prepared for one week, in accordance with the medical prescription, and organized in a blister pack, individualized by the time of day the dose is to be taken.
- Types of Medication: Solid unit-dose pharmaceutical forms intended for oral administration—such as capsules, tablets, and coated tablets, among others—may be included. Tablets requiring splitting can be placed in the device, as it maintains the recommended temperature and humidity conditions. Medications that dissolve in water or directly in the mouth are kept in their original packaging and placed inside the PIM blister pack.
- Stock Management: The pharmacy manages medication stocks and informs the patient or caregiver when it is necessary to request a prescription renewal.
- Pharmaceutical monitoring: the PIM service at Correia Rosa pharmacies includes the assessment of parameters such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, always scheduled according to need. Whenever necessary, we schedule status update meetings to address questions and make adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
To sign up, simply contact Correia Rosa Pharmacies and schedule an appointment with one of our pharmacists. They will assess your needs and organize your medication according to medical prescriptions.
Yes, there is a cost associated with the individualized preparation of the medication. However, many clients consider that the benefits far outweigh the investment.
Our pharmacists quickly adjust your medication preparation whenever there are changes to the medical prescription. Simply let us know about the changes.
Yes, all your data and medical information are treated with the utmost confidentiality, in accordance with data protection regulations.
Yes, even without a family doctor, the professionals at Correia Rosa pharmacies review the medication regimen presented by the customer and/or caregiver.
Yes, during the initial interview, we gather all of the client’s medications, prescriptions, test results, and medical information. This allows us to assess potential duplications and interactions between medications.
To learn more about the PIM service at Correia Rosa Pharmacies, click here or visit us!
What our customers say
The individualized medication preparation (PIM) service offered by Correia Rosa Pharmacies is a practical and safe solution for many customers. By choosing this service, you are investing in your health and well-being while relying on the support of trusted professionals. If you think this service could benefit you or someone you care for, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
