How to Stick With Your Medication Plan
If you have a chronic condition
such as asthma or diabetes,
you may need to take pills
every day. It is important to
stick with your medication
plan. Doing so can help keep
your condition under control.
To make sure you stay on
track, follow these tips:
- Get organized. Use a calendar and write down the times that you need to take your pills. Note which pills you need to take. Be sure to note any food, drinks or other medicines you should avoid while taking a certain medicine.
- Try a pillbox. If you take pills daily, use a pillbox that has boxes for the pills you take Monday through Sunday. Fill the box once a week. This can help you save time and stick to your routine.
- Get extra help. Some products can help remind you to take your doses on time and keep track of those you take. These aids include check-off calendars and bottle caps that beep when it is time to take a dose. Ask your pharmacist how you can get these products.
- Make it simple for yourself. Ask your physician whether your medication routine could be simpler. For example, is there a medication you could take only once a day instead of four times?
Do not be afraid to talk with
your physician. Ask about any
concerns. You may even want
to write down questions to ask
during your next visit. By
asking them, you may avoid
problems later. Take time
to understand what
your physician
says when
he or
she
prescribes a new medication.
Tell your physician or
pharmacist if you notice
any side effects, including
tiredness or dizziness.
Six Things to Know
To follow the treatment plan you
and your physician agree on,
make sure that you know:
- The name of the medicine and what it does
- When to take it, how much to take and for how long
- Whether you can get refills and, if so, how often
- About any terms or directions you do not understand
- What to do if you miss a dose
- Whether there is written information you can take home. Most pharmacies have information sheets on your prescription medicines.
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