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Take Your Medications

Though your healthcare providers may prescribe your medications, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re taking them properly. You also need to be communicating with them about your body’s response to your treatment, and inform them if you believe any adjustments need to be made.

The medications you take have been proven to improve your quality and length and life. Therefore, you need to be taken them exactly as prescribed. Missing a dose or taking too much may result in serious problems. One of the most common reasons for hospitalization of those with heart failure is not taking medication as instructed.

Tips For Taking Your Medication Safely and Consistently

  • Verify how you should be taking your medications. Ask your healthcare providers:
    • When to take medication
    • How much you should be taking
    • If your medication should be taken with or without a meal
    • If you should be wary of any side effects
  • Inform your healthcare providers if you’re taking any other medications. They need to be aware of how any other medications may interact between those they prescribe.
  • Ask your healthcare providers about over-the-counter medications or supplements you’re taking. This includes pain relievers like Aspirin and Tylenol and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals.
  • Take note of what to do if you forget a dose. Accidents happen, so it’s important to be informed of what your healthcare provider suggests you do.
  • Don’t stop taking your medication because your symptoms go away. Heart failure medication must be taken regularly. Just because you don’t feel your diagnosis doesn’t mean it’s not there.
  • Make your medications a routine. Take your daily dose of medication while reading the paper in the morning or after you put the kids to bed.
  • Set an alarm to go off when it’s time to take your medications.
  • Organize your pills. Invest in a pillbox that separates medication into different days or times. Even better, find one with an alarm clock that reminds you to take your pills.
  • Order more medication when you’re down to 2 weeks. Account for the possibility that your pharmacy may experience a delay in orders. It’s important that you take your medication every day.
  • Carry a card. Write down all your medications and dosages and keep the list on you at all times. Also keep a list of any medical allergies.

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