While being active and eating well are key elements to maintaining your health, so is properly managing your medications. However, keeping track of multiple medications and supplements can be a little confusing.
Here are seven tips to help you better manage your medication regime:
- Use a pillbox to help organize and manage your medications. Any medication(s) left in the box at the end of the day will be a visual reminder that you have missed a medication.
- Order all your medications from ONE pharmacy. This way you can keep your medication list accurate and help your pharmacist identify any potential drug interactions with your medications on file.
- Ask your pharmacist about setting up automatic refills of necessary medications at the pharmacy. This will help ensure all your medications are ordered on time, your providers can electronically prescribe refills when needed and you will avoid running out of a medication.
- Ask your pharmacist to synchronize your medication refills. Oftentimes, with careful planning, all medications can be refilled on the same day each month.
- Set a timer or reminder to take medications at the same time each day. Follow your pharmacist’s instructions as to whether the medications need to be taken with or without food to get the full benefit.
- Carry a current list of all your medications in your purse or wallet. The list should include all your prescribed and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins and herbal supplements you take. Mobile apps are also available to keep track of your medication list on your smartphone and computer. You can conveniently refer to this list when visiting different health care providers to let them know what medications you currently take.
- Share your medication list with your family. In the event of an emergency, having an informed family member can help you receive the most timely and effective medical care.
If you need assistance in managing your multiple medications, Carroll Hospital offers a medication management program to provide patients with step-by-step counseling on managing their complex medication regimes. For more information, please call 410-871-7000.
