General Information

Medication General Instructions

• Know what medications and dosage you are taking.
• Your doctor will explain your medications and dosage with you, however if you forget you may always ask for clarification from your doctor or pharmacist.
• Keep a list of your current medications and dosage with you at all times. Adjust the list should changes be made.
• Some medications may have an adverse effect if taken in conjunction with alcohol, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, or some foods. You should make yourself aware of what these side effects to medications are.
• Never stop taking medications or self regulate dosage without your doctor’s advice.
• Never take new medication from friends or family.
• Everyone reacts to medication differently and some medication will have side effects that ease over time. It is important to notify your prescribing doctor if you are experiencing side effects and/or an increase in your symptoms. On occasion your doctor may have to experiment prescribing various medications until a regime can be found that the patient tolerates.
• Remember if you experience side effects from your medication that make you uncomfortable or unwell, these concerns MUST BE communicated to your doctor.
• Medications purchased over the counter, from allied practitioners or from health stores can still affect your medications. This can also be something as simple as multivitamins. (some brands contain ingredients that have a stimulant effect). Check with your pharmacist or your doctor during consultation if you are unsure.

Medications Prior to Procedures

If our office has booked you in for a diagnostic or surgical procedure that will require a change to your medication, this will be discussed with you by your Cardiologist during consultation. If at any stage you are uncertain about your instructions, please call our office.

Post Discharge from Hospital

• If you have been an inpatient under the care of one of our Cardiologists, a discharge summary will be forwarded to our Office. If you are required to come to our rooms for a follow up visit, one of our receptionists will call you to arrange this.
• If you have had a pacemaker, you will generally be discharged from hospital the following day. A wound check will need to be done either by your GP or here in our office one week post operation. You will be advised by one of the nursing staff prior to discharge and an appointment will be given to you if you are to be seen for a wound check by one of our Cardiologists.
• Please note any concerns regarding redness, swelling, pain or skin breakdown on or around your wound site as this must be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately.
• One month post pacemaker procedure, you will be required to visit your Cardiologist for a pacemaker check. This appointment time will either be given to you at discharge or when you have your wound check.
• All of your follow up visits from there on will be arranged as per your Cardiologist or referring doctor’s request.