POTSDAM — People who are taking prescribed medications often don’t think about drug interactions and side effects, or think to ask their provider about them when they are in the medical office.

St. Lawrence Health System now offers Pharmacist Medication Education Program (PMEP) consults at Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Cheel Medical Campus, 49 Lawrence Ave. Appointments can be made by calling 315-265-3300 extension #1837.

“This program helps individuals, along with their medical providers, to improve their health,” according to CPH.

A pharmacist will provide a comprehensive review of medications; and discuss how well medications are working, side effects, and drug interactions. The pharmacist will also provide education regarding diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, COPD, asthma, and blood thinners.

Each consult includes an updated personalized list of medications, why they are being taken, summary of the discussion; and an action plan that recommends ways for the patient to optimize the medications being taken, and avenues for improved health. The pharmacist will speak to the individual’s doctor/health care provider(s) to resolve any identified medication-related problems.

“It’s a good idea to schedule your medication review before your yearly wellness visit with your primary care provider so you can talk to your doctor about your action plan and medication list,” St. Lawrence Health System Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Ryan Titus said. “I also recommend bringing your action plan and medication list if you go to the hospital or emergency room, or anytime you talk with your doctors, pharmacists, and other health care providers.”

Regina Scott, Jay Delisle, and Ryan Titus are doctors of pharmacy and board certified pharmacotherapy specialist who practice as clinical pharmacist at Canton-Potsdam Hospital and are adjunct vlinical professors at Clarkson University.

For more information about the Pharmacist Medication Education Program, contactTitus at PMEP@cphospital.org, or (315) 265-3300 extension 1837.