medication

Question 1

warfarin

Answer 1

thins the blood
blocks vitamin K
once daily
tablets

lifelong for AF

test INR and adjust
regular INR checks

risks: bleeding 
diarrhoea 
rash 
hair loss
nausea

many drug interactions

caution in high falls risk

avoid: liver spinach cranberry alcohol binges

no nsaids, aspirin

yellow book

Question 2

levothyroxine

Answer 2

synthetic hormone

once daily

lifelong

may take few weeks to feel effect

may need to adjust the dose after review

TSH test every 3 months

side effects are rare but may have hyperthyroid symptoms

Question 3

statins

Answer 3

stops the liver making cholestorol

cholesterol is ONE risk factor for artery problems - need to address other problems

once daily

life long

decreases risk

review in 4 w and every 6 months

lfts

muscle pains
hair loss
itching 
nausea
sickness
abdo pain 
diarrhoea
rhabdomyolysis 

avoid grapefruit

Question 4

metformin

Answer 4

take tablet with breakfast
once a day
immediatly after meal

Us and Es before starting

lactic acidosis

no general anaesthetic

Question 5

iron tables

Answer 5

1 -3 times a day
can irritate stomach
usually 4 months
3-4 weeks to feel effect

Gi irritation

nausea
sickness
diarrhoea