Use medications appropriately
Some people find it helpful to have a medication plan. Knowing the names of your medications, what they are for, how and when to take them, and potential harmful side effects can help you make an individual medication plan that works best for you.
You may have already developed a successful medication plan. For example, some people keep a written medication list or use pillboxes to regulate how medications are taken. Other people link the medication to an activity they do each day, such as taking medications with meals, when brushing their teeth, or at bedtime. Your personal medication plan will depend upon the medications you take and the information your health-care provider, nurse or pharmacist may give you about your medications
The following strategies may be helpful for managing your medications
- Keep an updated file of all current medications that includes all the written instructions about your medications.
- Use a pill box with appropriate doses sorted out for each day and time the medication will be taken. Pill boxes are available at many pharmacies and drug stores.
- Use a timer or cell phone alarm to remind you when to take your medication.
- Depending upon when the medication should be taken, link it to another routine daily activity such as eating a regular meal, brushing your teeth, or preparing for bed.
Create an action plan for this strategy.
