Other
Teaching a Parent to Administer Biologic Injection
A mother brought her 7-year-old son into the pharmacy with a biologic medication that required injection. The medication had been delivered from a specialty pharmacy online, and she had tried to have him injected at the hospital first. However, the wait time there was upwards of five hours.
Understanding the importance of timely administration, I spent less than twenty minutes teaching her how to give the injection safely. I demonstrated the technique, explained how to handle the medication, and answered her questions until she felt comfortable and confident.
By the time she left, she was prepared to carry out the injection at home, avoiding a long wait at the hospital and ensuring the child received his medication without delay.
Because of a pharmacist, something important happened.
Augustine Ezugwu 路 Alberta 路 Community pharmacist 路 Apr 08, 2026
Clinical reasoning
Extending the Window for Emergency Contraception
A patient came in seeking emergency contraception about 60 hours after unprotected intercourse. The most common over-the-counter option is effective up to 72 hours, but unfortunately, we were out of stock. Given our remote location, the soonest they could obtain it elsewhere was at least 24 hours later, which would have put them beyond the effective time frame for that medication.
After discussing the situation and timeline with the patient, I identified that a prescription emergency contraceptive, effective up to 120 hours after intercourse, would suit their needs better. I wrote the prescription so they could access this option in the next town within the window of efficacy.
This decision allowed the patient to receive timely and effective treatment despite our limited supply and distance challenges. Because of a pharmacist, something important happened.
Anonymous 路 Alberta 路 Community pharmacist 路 Apr 08, 2026
Medication safety
Helping a Patient Safely Stop Unneeded Antidepressants
During a routine medication review, I noticed a patient had been taking escitalopram for a long time. I asked about the reason for the medication, and the patient explained that they started it during a difficult period involving a divorce and depression. Since then, their situation had improved, and they felt they no longer needed the medication.
Despite this, the patient continued to receive prescriptions for escitalopram from their provider. I worked directly with the patient to discuss the possibility of tapering off the medication safely, coordinating to ensure they understood the process and risks. Over several weeks, we gradually reduced the dose until the medication was discontinued.
By identifying that the antidepressant was no longer needed and supporting a careful taper, we helped the patient avoid unnecessary medication and potential side effects. This intervention required communication, monitoring, and patience, but the patient was ultimately able to stop the medication successfully.
Because of a pharmacist, something important happened.
Hillz 路 Alberta 路 Community pharmacist 路 Apr 08, 2026
