Role of Pharmacists
The pharmacist can provide resources,
counseling and/or clinics to:
Family members of sufferers regarding:
· About the illness (e.g. pathophysiology, complications).
· How to identify if their child has AN.
· How to deal with meal times.
· Available treatment options.
· How to support their child, themselves and the rest of the family.
· Referral to doctor when needed. The family doctor can refer their child when needed to other healthcare professionals (e.g. psychologist) and to an eating disorder program.
Friends of sufferers regarding:
· What to say and what not to say to sufferers
Sufferers regarding:
· About the illness (e.g. pathophysiology, complications).
· Available treatment options.
· When appropriate, encourage patient to receive treatment and to see their doctor. Their doctor can refer them when needed to other healthcare professionals (e.g. psychologist) and to a eating disorder program.
· Counsel patients on the appropriate use of medications.
· Ensure patients medications and minerals are appropriate in terms of indication, efficacy, safety, compliance and cost (e.g. when a medication is indicated educate patient on the importance of complying with the medication as some of these patients refuse to take medications).
The pharmacist can also:
1) Provide support to these patients and their family by listening to their problems and providing encouraging words.
2) Identify patients that may have anorexia nervosa based on their signs and symptoms. For example, physical features of starvation and secondary amenorrhoea should alert the pharmacist that the patient may have AN.
3) Help manage complications. For example the pharmacist could counsel on the following points when appropriate:(1)
· In patients with osteoporosis, resumption of menstrual function and weight gain is the best treatment.
· Thyroid hormone replacement is not indicated as it is not beneficial and it may be harmful.
· In patients with gastroparesis, legume-type foods, bran products, and excessive fiber should be avoided as they may promote distension and gas.
· Stimulant laxatives or bulking, fiber-containing laxatives may worsen constipation. 6-8 glasses of water per day and fiber in low doses may help manage constipation. Constipation should resolve with weight restoration.
Family members of sufferers regarding:
· About the illness (e.g. pathophysiology, complications).
· How to identify if their child has AN.
· How to deal with meal times.
· Available treatment options.
· How to support their child, themselves and the rest of the family.
· Referral to doctor when needed. The family doctor can refer their child when needed to other healthcare professionals (e.g. psychologist) and to an eating disorder program.
Friends of sufferers regarding:
· What to say and what not to say to sufferers
Sufferers regarding:
· About the illness (e.g. pathophysiology, complications).
· Available treatment options.
· When appropriate, encourage patient to receive treatment and to see their doctor. Their doctor can refer them when needed to other healthcare professionals (e.g. psychologist) and to a eating disorder program.
· Counsel patients on the appropriate use of medications.
· Ensure patients medications and minerals are appropriate in terms of indication, efficacy, safety, compliance and cost (e.g. when a medication is indicated educate patient on the importance of complying with the medication as some of these patients refuse to take medications).
The pharmacist can also:
1) Provide support to these patients and their family by listening to their problems and providing encouraging words.
2) Identify patients that may have anorexia nervosa based on their signs and symptoms. For example, physical features of starvation and secondary amenorrhoea should alert the pharmacist that the patient may have AN.
3) Help manage complications. For example the pharmacist could counsel on the following points when appropriate:(1)
· In patients with osteoporosis, resumption of menstrual function and weight gain is the best treatment.
· Thyroid hormone replacement is not indicated as it is not beneficial and it may be harmful.
· In patients with gastroparesis, legume-type foods, bran products, and excessive fiber should be avoided as they may promote distension and gas.
· Stimulant laxatives or bulking, fiber-containing laxatives may worsen constipation. 6-8 glasses of water per day and fiber in low doses may help manage constipation. Constipation should resolve with weight restoration.
References
1. Mehler P. Anorexia nervosa in adults and adolescents: Medical complications and their management. UpToDate.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/anorexia-nervosa-in-adults-and-adolescents-medical-complications-and-their anagement.
Updated May 23, 2013. Accessed June 1, 2013.
1. Mehler P. Anorexia nervosa in adults and adolescents: Medical complications and their management. UpToDate.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/anorexia-nervosa-in-adults-and-adolescents-medical-complications-and-their anagement.
Updated May 23, 2013. Accessed June 1, 2013.