Don’t Forget to Take Your Medication

It’s not always easy to take your medications on time. It’s important that you take the right dose, at the right time, in the right way and frequency. Why is so important?  If you don’t take your medicine as prescribed by a doctor or instructed by a pharmacist it could lead to your disease getting worse, a virus turning into something more serious. And, this could lead to hospitalization, or possibly death.

Find the Solution 

If you’re having trouble taking your medications when you’re supposed to, figure out why. Here are a few of the common reasons: 

• You’re taking different drugs and they’re hard to keep track of 
• You’re busy and it’s not always convenient 
• You’re not sure the medication is working 
• You don’t like the side effects 
• The cost is high 

Not taking your medications as prescribed is not a good idea. You put yourself at risk and you miss the benefits of your medication. 

What else can you do? 

• Know your pharmacy benefits. Find out what is covered. 
• If your medicine is too costly, ask if there is a generic choice or a less expensive alternative. Also find out if your insurance recommends a preferred pharmacies when possible to save more. 
• If you’re having trouble with side effects, ask your doctor if there is a different medication you can try or how you might be able to reduce or prevent side effects. 
• If you’re taking many medications and it’s hard to keep track of them, see if there is a way to simplify your dosing options. Ask your pharmacist if they offer any kind of reminder service or can suggest a phone app or other service that can help you. 

Your medications play a vital role in keeping you healthy. If you’re having a problem, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  

Here are some tips that may help: 

• Take your medication at the same time every day.
• Tie taking your medications with a daily routine like eating breakfast or getting ready for bed. However, don’t forget to check if your medication should be taken on a full or empty stomach.
• Use a pill container. Some types have sections for multiple doses at different times, such as morning, lunch, evening, and night.
• Refill your pill container it at the same time each week.
• When traveling, bring enough of your medication with you. Also carry a few days extra, in case your return is delayed.
• If you’re flying, keep your medication in your carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage. Also, temperatures inside the cargo hold could damage your medication.

Source: Why You Need to Take Your Medications as Prescribed or Instructed