Use instructions for the exact prescription
Missed-dose and procedure instructions can differ between medicines. Use the prescription label and directions from the care team rather than a general rule or advice written for another product.
Safety, interactions and missed-dose questions
Blood Thinners & Stroke-Prevention Medicines
Medicines sometimes called blood thinners can have prescription-specific directions and important interaction questions. Keep the exact medicine, dose and care-team instructions available when asking about missed doses, bleeding, dental work or another procedure.
Prepare your conversation
Questions worth bringing.
Use the questions that fit your situation. A pharmacist can explain medicines, devices and practical next steps without replacing diagnosis, personal monitoring targets or prescriber-led treatment decisions.
- What should I do if a dose is late or missed?
- Which bleeding or bruising changes need prompt or emergency help?
- What should I tell a dentist, surgeon or other healthcare professional?
- Which pain, cold or natural health products should I check before using?
What to know
Focus on the next useful decision.
Keep the current prescription, care plan and recent changes visible so the right professional can answer the right question.
Bring bleeding and interaction questions early
Ask about new bruising, nosebleeds, stomach symptoms, falls or other changes. Before using a new pain, cold or natural health product, check whether it could add bleeding risk or affect the prescribed medicine.
Share the medicine before procedures
Make sure dentists, surgeons and other healthcare professionals know the exact medicine and dose. Do not stop it for a procedure unless the professional responsible for the plan gives instructions.
Before you ask
Bring the details that change the answer.
- The exact medicine container, dose and current directions
- A complete list of prescription, non-prescription and natural health products
- Notes about missed doses, falls, bruising or bleeding concerns
- The date and instructions for upcoming dental work or another procedure
Before you make a change
Talk with a pharmacist or your care team.
Use this page to prepare questions, not to start, stop or change prescribed treatment. Follow the urgent instructions in your care plan and call 911 for an emergency.
Contact the pharmacy