Stroke Support Group

ABC’s of Stroke:
Understanding Your
Medications
Brandon Speakman, PharmD; William Mikesell, PharmD;
& Luke Dotson, PharmD
What Puts You At Risk For A Stroke?
You are at an increased risk if you’ve been told you have
● High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

● High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
● Irregular Heart Beat (A-Fib)
● Diabetes
Question #1
“I had a stroke and they are sending me
home on all of these medications. What
is even the purpose of taking all of these
pills?”
Post-Stroke Care
It’s common for patients to feel overwhelmed with the
medications they are sent home on once they leave the
hospital
Typically you are sent home on medications to help reduce
your
● Blood pressure
● Bad cholesterol & improve good cholesterol
● Blood sugar, if you have diabetes
● Control your heart rate
● Prevent the formation of a new clot
A–Antithrombotics (Anti-clot)
● What they are:

https://bjs.scene7.com/is/image/bjs/54141474?$bjs-Zoom$
○ Aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta)

● What they do:
○ Keep platelets from sticking together (keeps blood “less sticky”)
● What does this mean for you?
○ Take as prescribed to prevent clots
○ Watch out for bleeding & let your doctor know
B–Blood Pressure
● What they are:

○ Lisinopril (Zestril), losartan (Cozaar), metoprolol (Toprol)
● What they do:
○ Keep blood pressure low to keep organs and blood vessels healthy
○ Check blood pressure at home; your doctor will want to know
○ Let your doctor know if you feel lightheaded/dizzy
C–Cholesterol
● What they are:

○ Atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), ezetimibe (Zetia)
● What they do:
○ Lowers bad fat to keep organs and blood vessels healthy
○ Take as prescribed (even if you don’t “feel” it working!)
○ Get labs checked when your doctor orders them
Why are these medications important?
As you may remember from earlier, these medications
help to
● Treat common risk factors

● Prevent another clot from forming
● Improve your overall health
With all of these added benefits combined, these

medications work together to help prevent another
stroke from occurring
Question #2
“I take my medications but I don’t feel any
different or like it’s helping me. All I know
is that I have to get all of these tablets out
of my handbag when I’m with my family
and friends.”
Your Medications Behind The Scenes
Envision how your medications can help you meet your goals
● You might not feel any different, but it’s very important to take them
as prescribed
Always contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any side effects
It might seem like another step in your routine, but daily blood
pressure checks help illustrate:
● The benefits paying off
● The impact on your blood pressure
Checking Blood Pressure
● Rest 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

● Do NOT smoke or drink caffeinated beverages at least 30 minutes before.
● Take your blood pressure before you eat.
● Sit comfortably with your back supported and both feet on the floor.
○ Do NOT cross your legs.
● Elevate your arm to heart level on a table or desk.
● Use the proper sized cuff. It should fit smoothly and snugly around your bare upper arm.
● There should be enough room to slip a fingertip under the cuff.
● The bottom edge of the cuff should be 1 inch above the crease of the elbow.
● Take more than one measurement (ideally 3) and record the average.
We Are All in This Together
It’s essential to establish a support system, whether it’s your:
● Friends
● Family
● Provider
Remember, communication is key!
● Don’t be afraid to reach out for extra support for those first
few weeks at home
● It’s completely okay to ask for help!
How Your Healthcare Team Can Help
Always attend all of your follow-up visits with your provider, so they can
- Keep track of your results
- Make the necessary changes related to your care
You can always ask your provider for

1. A graph of your blood pressure trends over all of your visits
2. A blood pressure logbook
3. A reminder chart to remind you what medications to take at what time
a. Keep this posted somewhere where you would commonly see it
Examples
Reminder Chart Example
How to be Set Up for Success
If you are a caregiver, your support means the world to
survivors
Come up with a daily schedule to take your medications that

works the best for YOU or your loved one
● It’s normal for this to look different for everybody

● Setting realistic goals & expectations
Question #3
“I only used to take two medications
before I was in the hospital. Now I’m
taking seven and I feel very
overwhelmed. What can I do to help me
remember what to take and when?”
Ways to Help You Remember
Pill Boxes
● Aids as a organization & reminder tool for your medications
relating to:
○ Administered doses
○ Days remaining of the medication
○ When it’s time for a refill
● Comes in numerous styles
○ Including what time of the day the medication should be taken
● Sold at any drugstore or grocery store at a low cost
Ways to Help You Remember
Ask your pharmacy
● Enroll you in automatic refills

● Enroll you in a medication synchronization program
○ Ex. MedSync program through Kroger Pharmacy
● Offer mail order services
● Can dispense a 90 day supply
Implement the use of a timer
● Can serve as a gentle reminder

MediSafe - www.medisafeapp.com
❖ Free on IOS or Android
❖ The Unique features contained are a hybrid of Care4Today & CareZone
• Access to Drug Database • Can set push notifications and

reminders/additional alerts for
caregivers for due & missed doses
• Can handle complex regimens & • Cloud-based/has companion

store lab values website
• Reminders do not require the • Schedules can show the reasons

internet why you take a medication
Question #4
“After my stroke it’s been really hard for
me to swallow. I’m nervous about not
being able to take all of my medications
as they are big tablets. What can I do
while I’m working to recover?”
If You Have Problems Swallowing
Having trouble swallowing is common after a stroke
- Always ask if a medication is available in a way that is
easier for you to take
Always consult your pharmacist or provider before you

crush one of your medications
- Some medications cannot be crushed as it impacts the way the
medication works
You may have been told to take an aspirin daily
- This is available as a chewable tablet

Key Takeaways
1. Your medications help reduce the risk of having another stroke
2. Having a support system for you or your loved one is essential for success
a. Utilize your healthcare team & pharmacy, we are here to help!
b. If you think you are experiencing side effects of your medications, let us know!
3. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help!
4. Always attend your follow up visits & bring a copy of your medication list
5. If you are having problems remembering
a. Pillboxes
b. Timers
c. Mobile Apps
Additional Resources
American Stroke Association
1. Recovery Resources
a. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/stroke-rehab/recovery-resource-page-for-patients
2. Family & Caregivers
a. https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/for-family-caregivers
3. Learn About Treatments
a. https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/treatment-options
4. Resource Library for Patients
a. https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library
5. Stroke Family Warmline
a. https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/for-family-caregivers/stroke-family-warmline
6. My Medicine Record
a. https://www.fda.gov/media/73856/download
References
1. Stroke. 2021 Jul;52(7):e364-e467
2. JAMA Neurol. 2021 Dec 6. Doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.4514
3. https://www.stroke.org/en/professionals/stroke-resource-library
4. https://www.stroke.org/en/professionals/stroke-resource-library/prevention/prevention-materials
5. Gibson J, Coupe J, Watkins C. Medication adherence early after stroke: using the Perceptions and
Practicalities Framework to explore stroke survivors', informal carers' and nurses' experiences of
barriers and solutions. J Res Nurs. 2021;26(6):499-514. doi:10.1177/1744987121993505
6. https://blog.uvahealth.com/2017/08/01/uva-pharmacy-charlottesville/pharmacist-talking-to-cus
tomer/
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ABC’s of Stroke:

You are at an increased risk if you’ve been told you have

● High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

● What they are:

○ Aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta)

● What they are:

● What they are:

● Treat common risk factors

With all of these added beneﬁts combined, these

Always contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any side effects

● Rest 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

Remember, communication is key!

You can always ask your provider for

Come up with a daily schedule to take your medications that

● It’s normal for this to look different for everybody

● Enroll you in automatic reﬁlls

Implement the use of a timer

● Can serve as a gentle reminder

❖ Free on IOS or Android

❖ The Unique features contained are a hybrid of Care4Today & CareZone

• Access to Drug Database • Can set push notifications and

• Can handle complex regimens & • Cloud-based/has companion

• Reminders do not require the • Schedules can show the reasons

Always consult your pharmacist or provider before you

You may have been told to take an aspirin daily

- This is available as a chewable tablet

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