Spotting Drug Issues at Pharmacy INR Checks

Warfarin, an old but still widely used blood thinner, is usually managed by family doctors through lab tests in Canada. But in Nova Scotia, community pharmacists are taking a different approach called CPAMS. They're doing point-of-care INR tests and managing warfarin therapy. This isn't just about the warfarin though—it's also an opportunity to spot issues with other medications a person might be taking. Pharmacists can see patients regularly for INR checks. During these visits, they can keep an eye out for problems with other drugs. For example, they might notice if a medication isn't working as well as it should, or if there's a potential interaction. This could help catch issues early and prevent bigger problems down the line. The shift towards direct-acting anticoagulants has been happening, but warfarin is still common. Special services like CPAMS are trying new ways to handle this old drug. They're not just about doing tests, but also about keeping patients safe from medication issues. Plus, it gets patients in the door of the pharmacy more often, which can be good for overall health.