When you are taking medicines, it is important to follow your
health care provider’s advice carefully. If you do not take medicines exactly as
prescribed, they can harm you. For example, you could unknowingly counteract one
medicine by taking it with another one. Medicines can make you feel sick or
dizzy if not taken properly.
Tips for taking your medicine
Take all medicines as advised by your health care provider.
Take your medicines as scheduled, at the same time every day. Do
not stop taking or change your medicines unless you first talk with your health
care provider. Even if you feel good, continue to take your medicines. Stopping
your medicines suddenly can make your condition worse.
Have a routine for taking your medicines. Get a pillbox that is
marked with the days of the week. Fill the pillbox at the beginning of each week
to make it easier for you to remember.
Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a dose.
Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose, but your health
care provider might change your dosage periodically, depending on your response
to the medicine. On your medicine calendar, you can list any changes in your
medicine dosages as prescribed by your health care provider.
Do not decrease your medicine dosage to save money. You must
take the full amount to get the full benefits. Talk with your health care
provider about ways you can reduce the costs of your medicines.
Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies
unless you ask your health care provider first.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go
back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the
dose you missed.
Regularly fill your prescriptions and ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription. Do not wait until you are
completely out of medicine before filling your prescriptions. Let your health
care provider know if you have trouble getting to the pharmacy, have financial
concerns, or have other problems that make it difficult for you to get your
medicines.
When traveling, keep your medicines with you so you can take
them as scheduled. On longer trips, take an extra week's supply of medicines and
copies of your prescriptions, in case you need to get a refill.
Inform your health care provider of any new health concerns, and
specifically kidney or liver issues as your medication and/or dose may need to
be adjusted.
Inform your health care provider of any medication dose changes
or new medicines, both prescription & over-the-counter, as the dose of your
cholesterol medicine may need to be adjusted.
Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including
dental surgery, tell your health care provider what medicines you are taking.
Limit alcohol & grapefruit/grapefruit juice as either can change
the medication strength or increase the risk for side effects.
Understand your medicine. Know what it's for, and how and when
you're supposed to take it.
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about adjustments if
your medicine routine is too complicated.
If your medicines are too expensive, ask your health care
provider or pharmacist about finding financial assistance.
If you have trouble understanding your health care provider or
pharmacist, ask a friend or loved one to go with you and help you.
If you don't feel like your medicine is making a difference,
speak with your health care provider.
Other tips for remembering your medicines
Make an instruction sheet for yourself by taping a sample of each pill you
have to take on a sheet of paper and writing down all the information about that
pill to remind you.
Use special day-of-the-week divided pillboxes that help you keep
track of medicines.
Ask people close to you to help remind you.
Keep a medicine chart near your medicine, and make a note every
time you take your dose.
Ask your pharmacist to help you develop a coding system for your
medicines that makes them easier to take.
Get some colored labels and place them on your medicine bottles
to simplify your routine. For example, blue can be for morning, red for
afternoon and yellow for bedtime.
Many types of pill containers are available. Timer caps can be
purchased for pill bottles to remind you of the proper time to take medicine.
Ask your pharmacist about which containers or reminder aids might be right for
you.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 7/21/2009…#12108
