7 Must-Know Tips to Remember Taking Your Medication

Tracking multiple medicines can be a difficult task specially for chronic issues

Medicine management becomes extremely important, especially for individuals with chronic issues that require regular doses and a strict medication regime. It can be an overwhelming task to track and refill medication as well as to look out for any side effects or changes.

Taking medications can get even harder when you have more to take. Complex drug regimes, for example when a pill needs to be taken daily on an empty stomach, another twice before a meal, and a third once a week after a meal, can make it extremely difficult to keep up. The risk of medication related problems is high but can be prevented by a good medication management system that works for you.  

Medicine Management Tips and Tools

Research has shown that almost half of patients with chronic diseases struggle to take their medications as prescribed. By relying on tools and strategies, you can take charge of your own healthcare. If you are taking care of a loved one, these strategies will help you reduce the mental stress of remembering each medication and the dose.

Keep a Document and List 

Create a paper or a digital list of the medication regime you or the loved one you are taking care of is prescribed. The list should include prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbal medications, inhalers, patches, and ointments that you are taking currently. It should also include the dose amount, when you take it, and what it is for.  

Place the list somewhere you can look at it every day and make sure your loved ones have a copy. Take it to every healthcare professional visit and update them if anything changes.

Pill Organizers 

Using a weekly or daily pill organizer will reduce the stress of keeping track of which medication you need to take on a daily basis. You can carefully refer to the list you have made to fill your box correctly.

There are different boxes with different colors for day and night, digital ones that beep when it’s time to take the medication, some with counters to keep track of your dosage. You can ask your pharmacists for pill boxes that would work for your needs.  

A pill organizer will help keep track of daily and weekly dosages

For those with severe memory impairments, caregivers can rely on an organizer to make sure they are following the dosage.

Note: Look at storage information on the medication label before you move them to a pill box/organizer 

Medicine Tracking Devices or Apps 

Similar to the digital pill organizers, there are medication tracking applications that remind you to take your pills or even your next doctor's appointment. These can be synced to your family members' phones too and notify them of any missed medications. The apps can also remind you when it is time for a refill. You can find a medicine tracking app that works for you.  

Dedicate a Space for your Medication 

Having your medicines or the pill organizer somewhere you can see them every day and is easily accessible can help you remember to take your doses. Make space for them near the list or calendar you made, mostly in an obvious spot like the kitchen counter.

Note: Check their storage instructions and keep them away from the reach of children and pets.

Use one Pharmacy and Synchronize Refills 

Choosing one pharmacy and asking them for medication synchronization will reduce the task of keeping track of refills. It can also prevent negative drug interaction because the pharmacist can ensure the combinations are not harmful. By relying on one stop, you can also build a relationship with your pharmacists and questions or concerns you might have. 

Some pharmacies also provide auto refill and reminder services which you can enroll in. If travelling is inconvenient, you can also opt for online medication delivery services for yourself or your loved one.  

As a Caregiver, Keep Language Simple

If you are a caregiver for your loved ones, make sure you are updated with their medication information and keep track of any side effects of any new combinations. Coordinate with all their healthcare providers and stay informed about any changes.

If your loved ones have cognitive impairment, use simple language and clear instructions when giving them their medications. If they refuse to take the medication, do not force it and try again later. If it continues, consult their provider for other means of intake.

For Older Adults, Enlist Home Help  

If you are having a difficult time remembering to take your medications, a home care aide may be an ideal solution. You can also hire a family member as a home care aide, to help you with your medications, and also help complete daily household tasks, assist you in getting to doctor’s appointments, and handle some of the daily cooking and cleaning.  

If it is you or you are taking care of a loved one, the most important thing is to be updated and ask questions to the healthcare provider or pharmacists. Make sure you follow safe practices of managing and taking your medications and stay informed.