Medications

Objectives:

At the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the use, effects and side effects of common medications.
• Demonstrate the most efficacious use of respiratory medication devices.
• Understand the use of medications in the management and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Facilitator:

This session may be facilitated by a respiratory nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist.

Topic	Content	Resources
Introduction.	General medication advice. Affordable medicines. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Over-the-counter medicines. Side effects.
Medication overview. – How they work. – Side effects.	Bronchodilators. Corticosteroids. Antibiotics. Mucolytics. Vaccinations.	Better Living with COPD (Ch 7). Examples of medications.
Use of equipment and cleaning.	Inhalers. Spacers. Nebulisers.	Better Living with COPD (Ch 8). Examples of devices. Placebo puffers. Pharmaceutical device information brochures.
Summary and discussion.	Problem solving for compliance and side effects. Discussion of specific medication concerns.	Examples of a dosette box. Medication list and instructions.