Helpful Tips for Managing Medication

For many people, the act of taking multiple medications a day can be a daunting task. Slowly, over time, you might begin to find that your medicine cabinet is slowly filling up. Before that cabinet starts to overflow, it's a good idea to begin keeping track of your daily dosages. Not only will this help you remember when it's time to refill your prescribed medications, but it's also good information to have when visiting your doctor or in case of a medical emergency.

By following these helpful tips, managing your medication can become a much easier task.

Keep a list of all the medications you take, including the daily dosages. It's a good idea to record any over-the-counter medications, as well as vitamins, herbs, or supplements that you might take. Keep your list updated regularly, and be sure to take a copy with you to any appointments you might have with your healthcare professional. It's also a good idea to give a copy of the updated list to a close family member, in case of an emergency.

Understand when and how each of your medications should be taken. Some medications require food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. Certain medications should be taken first thing in the morning, others before bedtime. It's also important to know which medications should not be mixed with others. By understanding each of your medications, you will be able to easily build a daily routine that fits the requirements of each drug.

Remember to take medications correctly every day. Don't change dosage amounts or stop taking medication unless advised by your healthcare provider. Certain changes in medication dosage or frequency can have unwanted effects, so be sure to discuss any changes with your doctor.

Refill medications on time - before you run out. It's a good idea to mark refill dates on a calendar or date book, just to make sure that you don't find yourself missing a dose. Some pharmacies and mail order drug services provide complimentary refill alerts which can also help you to make sure you don't miss your refill date. Check with your pharmacist to see what kind of services they offer.