Approximately two-thirds of women and men in the United States take medicines prescribed by their primary physicians or other healthcare providers. Managing one prescription is usually fairly manageable. You just have to set a single reminder to take it at the right time, either with food or on an empty stomach.
Once you have more than one prescription, however, the challenges compound. More than 20% of people over age 40 in the US take five or more drugs. Timing that many medications, and taking them the right way, is much more challenging. You might worry that you forgot a drug. Or took more than you should.
Mark R. Rosenberg, DO, and our entire expert medical team appreciate the invaluable role that medications play in supporting your health. However, we also know there are challenges in keeping track of when and how to take them.
Do you have multiple prescriptions? Following are a few proven strategies for keeping your medications straight.
Either on your computer or on a list that you can easily see, make a master list that charts all of the medications you must take. Include the following columns on your chart headings:
Your dosage, timing, and best practices should be listed on the bottle or packet. If you’ve lost those, for some reason, or if you can’t read the type, do a quick search on the internet. You can find medication schedules there. Most of them can also be printed or downloaded.
Make a mini version of your chart to keep in your wallet or purse. You can get a medication card at a pharmacy to make it easier.
Update your chart every time you stop or start a medication or switch providers. This information is also helpful when you have to consult with a new specialist. When they ask for your medication, you don’t have to search your medicine cabinet. Just hand them the card to copy.
Ideally, you should use the same pharmacist for all of your medications. That way, you have another brain keeping track of what you take, when you take it, and when you need to refill your prescription.
Your pharmacist should offer to acquaint you with a new medication and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to take advantage of this service. Ask any questions you may have about interactions with other medications or supplements. Also review the instructions about how and when to take the medication.
Organize your medications in a daily pill dispenser. You can find one that lets you divide them into morning and evening schedules if you have to take them at different times. Fill up your dispenser on the same day so you don’t lose track of when you last took them.
You might consider investing in an electronic dispenser. That way you can add in precise times and dosages, and never have to worry if you’re doing it “right.” Once you (or a helper) enter the schedule and dosage for each medication, you may not have to re-load the device for 1-3 months.
If you can’t afford an electronic dispenser, devise some other reminders and habits to be sure you take the right med at the right time. For instance, put your pill dispenser on your kitchen counter so you remember to take them before or during breakfast.
If you have afternoon or evening schedules, too, find another habit to tie to that dose. For instance, always take them during a coffee break or before/during your evening meal.
When we’re your primary care provider, we need to know about all of your medications to ensure they won’t interact with or counteract one another. In addition, you should provide us with the names and contact info of your other providers so we can coordinate your care.
Do you need help managing your medications, or is it a time for a wellness check-up or prescription review? Give us a call at 586-315-2393 today. You can also send us an online message at your convenience.
