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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 28 No. 5 2005
Assisting Aboriginal patients with medication management
Practical problems and cultural issues can make it difficult for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to take the medicines they need. For example, it may be difficult to keep medicines cool if the patient does not have a fridge.
To help, health professionals should when possible recommend treatments that are easy to use and do not require special storage conditions. They also need to be clear about when the medicine should be taken and why it is needed (for example to keep healthy).
Aboriginal health workers can assist in explaining the treatment. There are also dose administration aids which can help people remember what to take and when.
