Practical Tips for Taking Medication

Here are some practical tips for developing routines to take prescribed medication on time and on schedule:

• Fit taking your pills into your daily life.
• Fit the meds into your life instead of structuring your life around your medicines. Especially work with your doctor to take them around meal times and bedtime. (Don't forget that "over-the-counter" meds are MEDICINES too!! If you are unsure - ask your doctor if you should take it!)
• Use an Adherence Schedule Check Sheet or similar check and balance system.
• Check the box and fill in the dots! Check off each dose after it is taken. This will help to avoid missed or double doses.
• Count out your doses in ahead of time - at least one per week.
• Use a pillbox to prepare your meds a week or even two weeks in advance. Note that some medications need refrigeration. If that is the case, keep the pillboxes in the refrigerator or a cool place.
• Get a "gadget" to remind you! Use some sort of alarm.
• Many watches, PDAs/Palms, cell phones, and other gadgets have built-in alarms. Use a beeping watch or timer to remind you when a dose is due. Set multiple devices if necessary and never forget your meds again!
• Write it down - in a planner, on a calendar, on "Post It" notes, on a sheet of paper or on the fridge!!
• If you write things down it helps cement it in your memory. We recall things best when we see it, hear it, say it and write it down.
• Plan ahead for traveling refills and weekends.
• Pack them carefully remembering which meds have to be refrigerated. Look at refills and do NOT wait to take care of this. Call your pharmacy to order a refill. Give the pharmacy a minimum of three days to get your refills ready.
• Use and keep your Health Diary current.
• Write down how you are doing with your meds, how they make you feel and if you are having trouble taking any med for ANY reason.
• Create and use a support network.
• Identify people you trust to talk to about your meds - they may help you stay on track or offer ideas for doing so.
• Communicate to your Doc or health care professional!
• Do not suffer - these meds are supposed to take care of a problem and if they are causing unbearable side effects - let your doctor know. He/she may be able to help solve the difficulties.
• Talk to your doctor and make sure you understand your drug regimen. Ask all the questions you need to.

Source: Clinic Resource Group, Inc. (CRG), Authorized Provider of American Red Cross Family Caregiver Classes, 800-994-1143, www.ClinicResourceGroup.com
IdentiMed® has a system to put your pills clearly in their place and Clinic Resource Group offers this product to you! IdentiMed® is a convenient way to manage your medications.