Asthma & COPD

 Asthma is a chronic lung condition that makes breathing difficult. Airways tighten, swell and fill with mucus in responce to certain substances or circumstances that “trigger” the asthma symptoms.

Breathe a Little Easier…

People with asthma can breathe a little easier knowing that there are actions they can take to manage their health with a goal to leading a normal lifestyle.

You can ask yourself the following questions to determine if your asthma is adequately controlled:

Do you cough, wheeze or have a tight chest because of your asthma?
Does coughing, wheesing or chest tightness wake you up at night?
Do you stop exercising because of your asthma symptoms?
Do you ever miss work or school because of your asthma?
Do you use your blue or “rescue” inhaler more than three times a week?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, your asthma may be considered poorly controlled. Be sure to discuss your results with your doctor ans seek medical attention if your asthma symptoms worsen or do nto respond to treatment.

Medications for Treatment of Asthma

The most common treatments for asthma are generally called “quick relievers” (short-acting medications) or “controller” medications (not for immediate relief).

Quick relivers – short-acting bronchodilators:

Relieve symptoms in minutes by relaxing the airway muscles
Used as a “rescue” medication during asthma attacks. The doctor may also recommend you use this medication before exercise or exposure to cold temperatures
Quick relivers include salbutamol, terbutaline and fenoterol.
Controllers – not for immediate relief:

Prevent and reduce inflammation, swelling and build-up of mucus
Must be used on a regular basis to be effective
Controller medications include fluticasone, budesonide, and beclomethasone
Please contact us for more details.

Medication Packaging

 Compliance Packaging – Medication Made Easy
If you have trouble taking your medications as directed, ask us about our medication packaging solutions.

A compliance package is a weekly card that contains 28 separate clear bubbles called blisters. Our pharmacist will fill the blisters with the right medications to be taken at the prescribed times. All you need to do is push out the medications through the seal. Once your dispill is empty, your pharmacist will provide you with a new one.

Using a compliance packages has been shown to greatly reduce medication errors by eliminating the confusion that surrounds questions such as when, how many, and at what time to take your medications. Each blister bubble corresponds to a specific time frame during the day. If you have problems remembering to take your medication or can’t remember if you did, you will immediately be able to tell just by looking at the dispill. It helps you or your caregiver monitor your medications. Gone are the days of trying to sort out which medication to take and when. Please contact us for further information.

Delivery

 Home delivery is available. We deliver Prescriptions, OTC and front shop products as well as Home Health products.

Please contact us for further information.

Home Healthcare

 The staff at Rivreside Co-op Pharmacy are here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. From wheelchairs to walkers, bathroom safety, mobility aids, supports, braces, and more, visit our Home Health Care department to see how we can help your health and safety.

Minor Ailments

 Pharmacists are able to prescribe for certain minor ailments. They will need to sit down with you to ask a few questions in order to determine if they can prescribe, what would be the best treatment for you, and counsel you on the prescription. Minor Ailments that pharmacists can prescribe for include:

Mild Acne
Allergic Rhinitis
Eczema
Urinary Tract Infections
Bacterial, Viral and Allergic Eye Infections
Diaper Rash
Painful Periods
Birth Control
Bacterial Skin Infections
Smoking Cessation (PACT Trained: Partners to Assist with Cessation of Tobacco)
Canker Sores
Headache
Hemorrhoids
Emergency Contraceptives
Athlete's Foot
Insect Bites
Sprains and Strains
Erectile Dysfunction
Nail Fungus
Acid Reflux
Thrush
Shingles
Cold Sores
Obesity
Ringworm
Jock Itch
Influenza

Medication Reviews

 Medication Shouldn’t Be Confusing

Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program (SMAP) is a program that allows you to schedule a 20 to 30 minute one-to-one meeting with our pharmacists to ensure that you are safely and appropriately using all types of medication. Think of it as a comprehensive medication review. It is funded by the government for certain individuals or offered by our store at no charge for those who do not meet criteria. Just bring your Sask Health Card. The SMAP appointment is your chance to discuss how your prescription, over-the-counter and alternative medications may be affecting each other.

During this one-on-one meeting, you will have an opportunity to learn about your medications and medical condition(s). As part of this service you will benefit by:

Gaining better understanding of drug names, strengths, adverse effects and usage instructions. This may include over-the-counter and/or herbal medications.
Understanding the benefit of taking your medications as your Doctor has directed.
Investigating strategies to manage any adverse effects or issues surrounding the medications you take.
Discussing other resources available to educate you and support your health.

Diabetes Management

 More than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes.

Diabetes Glucose Test Advice…And Much Much More..

We offer a great selection products for diabetes care, useful information on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and one-on-one counselling.

We coach you on your lifestyle goals. Our Pharmacists make sure you have the information to make the right choices. The health professional who keeps a watchful eye on your medication and numbers.

For diabetes patients managing your blood sugar levels can be a challenge. At our pharmacy we carry a full range of diabetic supplies including:

blood sugar monitors
test strips
lancets
insulin administration pens and pen needles
We also stock a complete range of:

insulins
insulin pump supplies
dextrose tablets
Our professional pharmacists can help with advice on blood sugar optimization, provide medication reviews and work with you in the prevention of diabetes related complications.

Smoking Cessation

 Helping you quit smoking for life..

It’s never too late to quit.

Health benefits (courtesy of Health Canada)

If you stop smoking, within:

20 minutes – your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal
2 days – your sense of smell and taste begin to return
1 year – your risk of smoking-related heart disease or stroke is cut by one-half
5 years – your risk of heart disease is the same as someone who never smoked
10 years – your risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half
Ask us about our programs:

Smoking Cessation Program
Referral to other helpful resources
Personalized Action Plan

Compression Stockings

 Our pharmacists are trained to fit and provide advice on compression stockings.

Injections and Immunizations

 You don’t need to visit your doctor’s office every time you or a family member require an immunization. Riverside Pharmacists are certified to provide injections and immunizations for your whole family.

The specially trained staff at Riverside can administer the following injections and immunizations to their patients:

Flu shots
Recommended Immunizations
Travel Vaccines
Birth Control
Osteoporosis Meds
and more

Heart Health

 It’s never too late to get your heart in tip-top shape.

Through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, you can give your heart a fighting chance against cardiovascular disease

Our Heart Health counselling covers learning signs of stroke, controlling blood pressure, understanding cholesterol and achieving a healthy weight.

Your best defense is controlling the risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cigarette smoke, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, inactivity, managing diabetes, and being at a weight that is unhealthy for you. Visit your doctor regularly and follow his or her advice. For more information ask your Pharmacist or contact the Heart & Stroke Foundation.