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CCPS
Introduction
Welcome to Cornerstone Clinical Pharmacy Services (CCPS). We offer a variety
of services ranging from monitoring and adjustment of your blood thinner (Coumadin
or Lovenox) to education and management of your diabetes or high cholesterol.
We are excited your doctor has referred you to our clinic and look forward to
working with you.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Why does warfarin need special monitoring?
Warfarin (Coumadin) is a life-saving drug. When used correctly under close
supervision, it can prevent blood clots from forming in your blood stream.
Blood clots can result in a stroke or damage to other important organs in your
body. Warfarin will only work when taken in the proper dose. The correct dose
is different for each individual.
Warfarin is a potentially dangerous medication. When used incorrectly or without regular blood tests,
serious side effects can occur. Too much warfarin can cause you to bleed more easily. Too little
warfarin may increase your risk of developing blood clots.
When used carefully, warfarin therapy is safe and effective. By working closely
with you, we can determine the best dose of warfarin for you. Your dose may change
from time to time, so we will need to see you to get blood tests regularly. The
amount of time between your visits will depend on how stable you are on your
medication and whether you are having any problems or side effects. Over the
years, studies have shown that a special service devoted to management of warfarin
can reduce the number of times your medication needs to be changed and help prevent
adverse effects (severe bleeding or blood clots). The CCPS pharmacist will take
the time to make sure all your questions are answered and identify any problems
you are having.
Who will be managing my warfarin therapy?
The CCPS is staffed by clinical pharmacists who are specially trained in the
management of blood thinners. They will work with your doctor to determine
the right level of warfarin for you. Results of your tests and any changes
in your dose of warfarin will be reported to your doctor. Because we are authorized
only to manage the anticoagulation part of your therapy, it is important that
you continue to see your regular doctor for other medical needs.
What will the CCPS do for me?
- Check your PT/INR (the test that tells us if your dose is correct) and adjust your dose if
needed while you are in the office.
- Check other tests from time to time
(blood counts, etc) to make sure you are not having any bleeding problems
that you cannot see.
- Give you information about your medication and help you with any problems you may have
taking your medicine.
- Report test results and medication changes back to your referring doctor.
- Provide you with a contact number for any problems/questions you may have with your medicine.
What are my responsibilities as a patient in the CCPS?
- COME TO YOUR APPOINTMENTS! Please
call to reschedule your visit if you are not able to come. Failure to keep
appointments may result in serious health risks or discharge from our program.
- Let us know if you are having problems
with your therapy, especially anything related to bleeding (i.e. blood
in your urine or stools, serious nose bleeds, a cut that won't stop bleeding).
- Let us know if you BEGIN taking
any new medications (including herbal or "over-the-counter medicines") or
if you STOP taking
any of your medicines. Many medicines interact with warfarin and changes may
affect your blood level.
- Let us know about changes in your diet.
Lovenox Services
In some instances, such as planned surgery or dental work, it may be necessary
for you to discontinue your Coumadin temporarily to minimize the risk of bleeding
during your procedure. While you are off of Coumadin CCPS will work with your
provider to make sure you are protected from blood clots with an injectable
drug called Lovenox. We will offer the injections for you here at our office
or train you (or a person of your choice) to give the injections at home.
Diabetes Services
CCPS also offers patient education as well as medicine
management for diabetic patients upon referral from your physician. We offer
comprehensive education that includes:
- General overview of diabetes (Type
1 or Type 2)
- Insulin injection instruction and
therapy adjustment
- Oral diabetic medication education
and therapy adjustment
- General diabetic care including
guidelines for foot, dental and eye care
- Glucometer instruction and self-blood
glucose monitoring information
- General nutrition information
- Lifestyle modification strategies
for improving glucose control
Lipid (cholesterol) Services
CCPS also offers patient education as well as medicine
management for cholesterol patients upon referral from your physician. We offer
comprehensive education that includes:
- General overview of the link between
high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease
- Review and discussion of current
lipid medications and medication adjustment, if needed
- Review of current lab work, including
explanation of goals for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, etc.
- General nutrition information including
relationship of fats, carbohydrates to cholesterol levels.
- Regular monitoring of cholesterol
levels and any other accompanying lab work such as liver enzymes, kidney
functions, etc.
Other Services
You may be referred for a variety of other services related to your medications.
Since our providers are all pharmacists, our expertise is in the area of medication
therapy and we can provide you with information relating to general use, dosing,
adverse effects, and drug interactions.
What if I have a problem after CCPS hours?
If you experience a problem after clinic hours, you will call your doctor's office/answering service.
Please let us know the next business day if this happens so we will know a problem has occurred.
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