Medicine program is trialled

A pharmacy in Umina has started a trial program to assist people in taking the right medicine.

Umina Beach Soul Pattinson pharmacist Mr Michael Cunico said that every year almost 140,000 people were hospitalised due to "medication misadventure".

He said that it had been found that up to 69 per cent of hospitalisations could have been avoided if the consumer had greater support in managing their medicines.

Mr Cunico said the Dose Administration Aids program had been found to assist with medicine management and to reduce hospitalisations both from "medicine misadventure" and adverse-effects of medicines.

He said that this in turn provided "improved health outcomes and better quality of life".

"We are excited to be involved with this national program as we feel that the delivery of Dose Administration Aids is an important service we can deliver to the people of Umina and the Peninsula," Mr Cunico said.

Dose Administration Aids are disposable packets that hold up to a week's worth of medicines in tamper evident sealed compartments.

The pharmacist fills the packets for an individual patient and includes identification of the patient and the medicines to avoid any mix-ups.

"We feel that this service would particularly help people who are on a number of different medicines, those who may have difficulties opening tablet bottles and packaging because of arthritis, or those who may become confused by the medicines they take," Mr Cunico said.

The current trial is being managed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia with support and funding from the Australian Government.

Press release, 19 Sep 2007 Michael Cunico, Umina Beach Soul Pattinson Chemist