Deprescribing Tools for Patients on Hemodialysis
What is Deprescribing?
Deprescribing means lowering the dose or stopping a medicine that may no longer be helping or may be causing harm. Deprescribing is an important part of medication management and is usually provided by a pharmacist working directly with the patient and with other members of the patient's healthcare team.
Patient Perspectives
Our research team interviewed people on hemodialysis and clinicians at University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital to create a video. The video highlights the experiences of people on hemodialysis with medication management, including deprescribing. The video also includes patient-centred aspects of medication management, including clear and ongoing communications between patients and healthcare providers.
Watch the video and let us know what you think!
Patient Deprescribing Tools
In collaboration with patients, our research team created videos and printable handouts that explain how deprescribing works, and the benefits or risks of deprescribing certain medications.
Watch the video or download the pamphlet for more information!
Ask your healthcare team which deprescribing tools are right for you. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before changing or stopping your medications.
How do I use the tools? What's inside?
Deprescribing information specific to your medication is available below in printable (PDF) or video formats (YouTube) and is free to view. For each medication, you will learn:
1. What is the medication? Why should I stop or reduce the medication?
2. How will I safely reduce or stop my medication?
3. What symptoms should my healthcare team and I watch for?
4. What should I do if my symptoms continue?
Alpha-1 Blockers
Common Names: Alfuzosin (Xatral®); Doxazosin (Cardura-1®); Prazosin (Minipress®); Silodosin (Rapaflo®); Tamsulosin (Flomax CR®); Terazosin (Hytrin®)
Benzodiazepines
Common Names: Alprazolam (Xanax®); Bromazepam (Lectopam®); Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®); Clobazam (Frisium®); Clonazepam (Rivotril®); Clorazepate (Tranxene®); Diazepam (Valium®); Flurazepam; Lorazepam (Ativan®); Midazolam (Versed®); Nitrazepam; Oxazepam (Serax®); Temazepam (Restoril®); Triazolam (Halcion®)
Gabapentinoids
Common Names: Gabapentin (Neurontin® or Auro-Gabapentin®); Pregabalin (Lyrica®)
Loop Diuretics
Common Names: Bumetanide (Burinex®); Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin®); Furosemide (Lasix®)
Prokinetic Agents
Common Names: Domperidone (Motilium®); Linaclotide (Constella®); Metoclopramide (Metonia®, Reglan®); Prucalopride (Resotran®)
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Common Names: Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®); Esomeprazole (Nexium®); Lansoprazole (Prevacid®); Omeprazole (Losec®, Olex®); Pantoprazole magnesium (Tecta®); Pantoprazole sodium (Pantoloc®); Rabeprazole (Pariet®)
Statins
Common Names: Atorvastatin (Lipitor®); Fluvastatin (Lescol®); Lovastatin (Mevacor®); Pravastatin (Pravachol®); Rosuvastatin (Crestor®); Simvastatin (Zocor®)
Please contact your doctor or pharmacist before changing or stopping any medications.