News & Notes / medication management

November is Diabetes Awareness Month — a good time to shine a light on a free service that every person with diabetes in Ontario is entitled to but few know exists: the MedsCheck for Diabetes program.

What Is MedsCheck for Diabetes?

MedsCheck for Diabetes is a government-funded Ontario program that provides patients with a comprehensive one-on-one medication and diabetes management review with a licensed pharmacist. Unlike a standard MedsCheck, it's available to any Ontario resident with a diabetes diagnosis — regardless of how many medications you take.

What Does the Review Cover?

• A complete review of all your diabetes medications — insulin, oral agents, and other drugs
• Blood sugar monitoring practices and targets
• How your other medications may affect blood sugar levels
• Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and what to do
• A printed personal medication record to share with your doctor

Is MedsCheck for Diabetes Free?

Yes — completely free. The program is funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) system. You're entitled to one MedsCheck for Diabetes per year.

How to Book Your MedsCheck for Diabetes in Waterloo

Call us at (519) 578-3000 to book. Bring all your medications — including your blood sugar monitor if you use one.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2 | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn more about MedsCheck | All our services

A new year is a great time to take stock of your health and make sure you're taking full advantage of the services available to you. Here are five ways The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo can help you start 2027 on the right foot.

1. Book a Free MedsCheck

If you take three or more prescription medications, you likely qualify for a free MedsCheck — a private, one-on-one review of all your medications with a licensed pharmacist. It's one of the most valuable and underused services in Ontario.

2. Set Up Blister Packaging

Start the year with a better system for managing your medications. Our blister packaging service organizes your medications by day and time, eliminating the guesswork and reducing missed doses.

3. Switch to Free Home Delivery

If you're not already using our free home delivery service, January is a great time to start — especially with the cold weather making trips to the pharmacy less appealing.

4. Transfer All Your Prescriptions

If you're still going to a chain pharmacy out of habit, consider transferring your prescriptions to The Boardwalk Pharmacy. It's free, takes two minutes, and the difference in service is immediate.

5. Book a Pharmacist Consultation

Have questions about your medications, side effects, or health goals for the new year? Book a one-on-one pharmacist consultation. We're here to help.

Call (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

As the seasons change and trees and grasses start to bloom, millions of Canadians — including many residents of Kitchener-Waterloo — begin experiencing the familiar misery of seasonal allergies. Our pharmacists at The Boardwalk Pharmacy can help you find the right relief.

Common Allergy Symptoms

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy throat or skin
• Fatigue (often caused by poor sleep due to congestion)

Over-the-Counter Allergy Medications

Antihistamines are the most common first-line treatment:

• Cetirizine (Reactine) — non-drowsy, long-acting (24 hours)
• Loratadine (Claritin) — non-drowsy, good for daytime use
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — effective but causes drowsiness; better for nighttime
• Fexofenadine (Allegra) — non-drowsy, minimal side effects

Nasal corticosteroid sprays (Flonase, Nasacort) are highly effective for nasal symptoms and work best when started a few weeks before allergy season.

Decongestants (pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline) provide fast relief for nasal congestion but should not be used for more than 3 days.

When to See a Doctor

If over-the-counter medications aren't providing enough relief, or if your symptoms include significant asthma symptoms, speak with your doctor about prescription options including allergy immunotherapy.

Ask Our Pharmacist

Our pharmacists can recommend the best allergy medication for your specific symptoms and health profile. Walk in or call (519) 578-3000.

430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2 | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Managing diabetes medications effectively is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, our pharmacists at The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo are here to help.

Types of Diabetes Medications

There are several classes of diabetes medications, and many people take more than one:

• Metformin — usually the first medication prescribed, works by reducing glucose production in the liver
• SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) — help kidneys remove excess glucose
• GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) — reduce appetite and blood sugar
• Insulin — many types, from rapid-acting to long-acting
• Sulfonylureas — stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin

Tips for Managing Your Diabetes Medications

• Take medications at the same time each day — consistency is key for blood sugar control
• Never skip doses — if you miss a dose, follow the instructions on your medication label or call us
• Store insulin properly — opened vials should be kept at room temperature; unopened insulin must be refrigerated
• Monitor for side effects — nausea, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and digestive issues are common; talk to us if they persist
• Keep a medication list — carry it with you to all medical appointments

Book a Free MedsCheck for Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you qualify for a free annual MedsCheck — a comprehensive one-on-one review with one of our pharmacists. Call us at (519) 578-3000 to book yours.

Book a MedsCheck | All our services

For seniors in Waterloo and Kitchener, the pharmacy is often one of the most frequently visited healthcare touchpoints. That makes the choice of pharmacy genuinely important for your health outcomes.

Personalized Medication Reviews

Seniors often manage multiple chronic conditions and multiple medications simultaneously. Our pharmacists offer free MedsCheck medication reviews specifically designed to catch drug interactions and duplicate therapies before they cause problems.

Blister Packaging for Simpler Medication Management

Our blister packaging service sorts your medications into daily compartments so you always know exactly what to take and when. Combined with MedSync, it means one monthly pickup or delivery.

Free Home Delivery

Our free home delivery service brings your medications to your door across Waterloo and Kitchener. Same-day delivery is available for orders placed before noon.

A Pharmacist Who Knows You

At The Boardwalk Pharmacy, our team builds long-term relationships with our patients. We know your health history, your medications, and your preferences — which means we catch things others might miss.

Vaccinations — Including Shingles and Pneumonia

We administer the Shingrix shingles vaccine (recommended for adults 50+), pneumococcal vaccines, and COVID-19 boosters. Ask us what's recommended for your age and health profile.

Call (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo. Easy parking, wheelchair-accessible entrance.

If you take multiple medications, you're probably familiar with the mid-month pharmacy scramble — one prescription runs out on the 8th, another on the 18th, a third at the end of the month. MedSync is the solution.

What Is MedSync?

MedSync (medication synchronization) aligns all of your prescription refill dates to a single day each month. Instead of making multiple trips to the pharmacy at different times, everything is ready on one day — one pickup, one call, one delivery.

How Does MedSync Work?

When you enroll in MedSync at The Boardwalk Pharmacy, we review all your active prescriptions and calculate a single synchronization date that works for you. We then coordinate with your prescribers and insurance plan to align all your refill cycles.

MedSync + Blister Packaging: The Perfect Pair

MedSync works especially well alongside our blister packaging service. Once your prescriptions are synchronized, we sort them all into a single monthly blister pack — organized by day and time — ready for pickup or delivery.

How to Enroll in MedSync in Waterloo

Enrollment is simple — just ask us. Call (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

Managing ADHD medications for a child — or for yourself — comes with its own unique set of challenges. Controlled stimulant medications require monthly prescriptions, careful dose timing, and consistent communication between parents, patients, doctors, and pharmacists.

Why ADHD Medications Require Monthly Prescriptions

Most ADHD stimulant medications are classified as controlled substances in Canada, which means they cannot be refilled automatically or transferred between pharmacies. Your doctor must issue a new prescription each month.

Tips for Managing Monthly ADHD Prescriptions

• Schedule your doctor's appointment before you run out — book your follow-up when you have 7–10 days of medication left
• Have your prescription sent directly to our pharmacy — your doctor can fax or electronically transmit the prescription so it's ready when you arrive
• Set a recurring calendar reminder for the same date each month

ADHD Medication and School

If your child takes medication at school, their school likely requires a completed medication administration form signed by your doctor. Our pharmacists can help you understand what documentation is needed.

Speak with a Pharmacist in Waterloo

At The Boardwalk Pharmacy, we take time to talk through medication concerns with parents and patients. Call us at (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

If you or someone you care for takes several medications every day, you know how easy it is to lose track. At The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo, we offer a simple, effective solution: blister packaging.

What Is Blister Packaging?

Blister packaging sorts your medications into individual, sealed compartments in a clearly organized card. Each compartment is labeled with the day of the week and the time of day — morning, noon, evening, or bedtime. Instead of dealing with multiple bottles, you simply pop out the compartment for that day and time.

Who Benefits Most from Blister Packaging?

• Seniors managing multiple chronic conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
• Patients with memory concerns who benefit from a clear visual reminder system
• Caregivers managing medications for a spouse, parent, or loved one
• Patients recovering from hospital stays with new or changed medications
• Anyone on 3 or more daily medications who wants a simpler, safer system

What Is MedSync?

Our MedSync program synchronizes all your prescriptions to a single refill date each month. Combined with blister packaging, the result is one monthly pack — sorted, labeled, and ready to use.

Is Blister Packaging Covered by Insurance?

Many Ontario insurance plans cover the blister packaging service fee. Call us at (519) 578-3000 and we'll check your coverage.

Call (519) 578-3000 or visit 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo. Ask about combining blister packaging with our free home delivery service.

Summer in Kitchener-Waterloo is wonderful — but the heat and humidity can be hard on your medications. Many prescription drugs are more temperature-sensitive than people realize, and improper storage can reduce their effectiveness or even make them unsafe.

Why Heat Affects Medications

Most medications are formulated to remain stable at room temperature — typically 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). When temperatures rise above this range, chemical reactions can occur, breaking down active ingredients and reducing effectiveness.

The Worst Places to Store Medications in Summer

• Your car — on a hot day, interior temperatures can reach 60°C or higher within minutes
• The bathroom medicine cabinet — heat and humidity from showers accelerate breakdown
• Near a window — direct sunlight degrades many medications

Medications That Are Especially Heat-Sensitive

• Insulin and other injectables — must be refrigerated or kept below 25°C
• Nitroglycerin (for heart conditions) — loses potency rapidly in heat
• EpiPens — should be kept between 15°C and 25°C; do not refrigerate
• Eye drops — many require refrigeration or protection from heat

Safe Summer Storage Tips

• Store medications in a cool, dry drawer or cabinet away from the kitchen and bathroom
• If travelling, use a small insulated bag to keep temperatures stable
• Check the storage instructions on every prescription label

Questions about your medications this summer? Call our team at (519) 578-3000.

If you take three or more prescription medications and live in Ontario, there's a free service available to you that most people don't know about — and it could make a real difference in how safely and effectively you manage your health. It's called a MedsCheck, and at The Boardwalk Pharmacy in Waterloo, we offer it by appointment at no cost to eligible patients.

What Exactly Is a MedsCheck?

A MedsCheck is a private, one-on-one consultation between you and a licensed pharmacist. During this session, your pharmacist reviews all of your medications — prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements — to make sure they're working together safely and effectively for you.

The program is funded by the Ontario government and offered through participating pharmacies at no cost to eligible patients.

What Happens During a MedsCheck?

When you come in for your MedsCheck at The Boardwalk Pharmacy, your pharmacist will:

• Review every medication you take — including vitamins and supplements
• Check for potential drug interactions you may not be aware of
• Confirm you're taking each medication at the right dose, at the right time
• Identify any medications that may be duplicating each other's effects
• Answer your questions about side effects, storage, and alternatives
• Give you a printed personal medication list to keep and share with your doctor

The whole appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. We set aside a private consultation space so there are no interruptions.

Who Qualifies for a MedsCheck in Ontario?

You may be eligible for a MedsCheck if you:

• Take 3 or more prescription medications for ongoing conditions
• Were recently discharged from hospital (MedsCheck in the Community)
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes (MedsCheck for Diabetes is a dedicated program)
• Are managing medications for a family member in their home (MedsCheck at Home)

Is MedsCheck Really Free?

Yes. The MedsCheck program is funded by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, which means there is no cost to you for an annual MedsCheck at a participating pharmacy like ours.

How to Book Your MedsCheck in Waterloo

Call us at (519) 578-3000 or visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo.

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Learn more about our MedsCheck services | All our services

Managing multiple medications can be confusing and even dangerous if doses are missed or mixed up. Blister packaging, also known as compliance packaging or bubble packs, is a service offered by pharmacies that organizes your medications into clearly labeled, easy-to-use packs. Here is how it works and why it might be right for you or a family member in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

How Blister Packaging Works

With blister packaging, your pharmacist organizes all of your medications into individual sealed compartments arranged by day and time. Each compartment is clearly labeled with the date, time of day (morning, noon, evening, bedtime), and the names of the medications inside. This eliminates the guesswork of managing pill bottles and reduces the risk of missed or doubled doses.

Who Benefits from Blister Packaging?

Blister packaging is especially helpful for seniors managing multiple prescriptions, caregivers overseeing medication for a loved one, patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions, and anyone who finds it difficult to keep track of a complex medication schedule. In the Kitchener-Waterloo community, we work with many families and retirement residences to ensure medications are organized safely and accurately.

The Advantages of Compliance Packaging

Studies show that blister packaging significantly improves medication adherence. When your pills are pre-sorted and clearly labeled, it is much easier to stay on track with your treatment plan. This is especially important for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, where consistent medication use makes a real difference in outcomes.

Blister packs also make it simple for family members or home care workers to verify that medications have been taken. The sealed compartments provide a clear visual record of what has been used and what remains.

How to Get Started

Setting up blister packaging at The Boardwalk Pharmacy is straightforward. If you are already a patient, simply let us know you would like to switch to blister packs and we will organize your next refill accordingly. If you are new to our pharmacy, you can transfer your prescriptions online and request blister packaging at the same time.

We offer free delivery of blister packs throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo area, making it even more convenient to stay on top of your health. To learn more, book a consultation with one of our pharmacists or contact us at (519) 578-3000.

Your Local Pharmacy for Medication Management

At The Boardwalk Pharmacy, we believe that managing your medications should not be stressful. Our blister packaging service is just one of the ways we support our patients in the Kitchener-Waterloo community. Whether you need help with a single prescription or a complex multi-medication schedule, our team is here to help. Visit us at 430 The Boardwalk, Suite 102, Waterloo, or browse our online shop for over-the-counter health products.