Nosy questions I know...but...how many medications are you taking? Have you ever forgotten to take them? Have you taken them in the morning and then by the afternoon you're not so sure anymore? Have you ever taken the wrong medication at the wrong time?
Keeping our medications straight all the time is not always so easy...especially when you're taking more than one, and on the days when caught in the brain fog...it can be hard to remember your own name let alone medications...it's true! But even with it being true...there is a level of danger when it happens.
Our meds work best when there is a continuous amount in our system and forgetting a medication for even a few hours...can impact us negatively. Has this ever happened to you? How do you remind yourself about your medications?
I have very strong opinions when it comes to medications but I do believe it's a personal choice. With that being said...I am also trying to encourage you to be wise and safe with your medication choices. Be informed...be educated...ask your questions. It's your right to choose...choose wisely for you okay?
Today I'd like to share some information to help you keep your medications straight. This is shared for your personal entertainment only and is in no way meant to take the place of the conversation with your pharmacist or doctor. If you have any questions about what you read here...talk to your doctor.
Keeping our medications straight all the time is not always so easy...especially when you're taking more than one, and on the days when caught in the brain fog...it can be hard to remember your own name let alone medications...it's true! But even with it being true...there is a level of danger when it happens.
Our meds work best when there is a continuous amount in our system and forgetting a medication for even a few hours...can impact us negatively. Has this ever happened to you? How do you remind yourself about your medications?
I have very strong opinions when it comes to medications but I do believe it's a personal choice. With that being said...I am also trying to encourage you to be wise and safe with your medication choices. Be informed...be educated...ask your questions. It's your right to choose...choose wisely for you okay?
Today I'd like to share some information to help you keep your medications straight. This is shared for your personal entertainment only and is in no way meant to take the place of the conversation with your pharmacist or doctor. If you have any questions about what you read here...talk to your doctor.
Keep Your Medicines Straight
Use High-Tech Reminders
Need to juggle a bunch of meds? Set a timer on your cell phone or watch to remind you to take a pill. Or, download an app that sends you a message that it's medicine time. You can even buy pill bottles that beep or glow at the right moment.
Keep Track of Your Meds
Your pharmacy can provide an online way to manage your medicines all in one place.
You can also load your list of medications into a smartphone app so you always have it with you.
Know Your Meds
Before you leave your doctor's office with a new prescription, ask lots of questions. Find out why you need the drug and how it works. Tell your doctor about all the other meds you take, so he can make sure the new one will "play well" with them.
Don't forget to check about side effects. And see what you should do if you miss a dose.
Stay With One Pharmacy
Find a retail or online pharmacy you like and stick with it. That way all your prescriptions are in one place, so it's easier for your pharmacist to spot drugs that could be risky if you take them together.
Are you busy during a traditional hours store hours? Don't worry. Look for 24/7 pharmacies that can serve you when it's a good time for you.
Know Your Labels
Read them carefully every time you get a prescription filled. They list the name and strength of the medicine, and how much and how often to take it. You'll also learn the number of refills you have left.
Brightly colored stickers on the sides of the bottle warn about side effects and problems with food or other medicines. If the label is too small for you to read, ask your pharmacist to use large print.
Start a Storage System
Keep all your medicines in one spot -- on their own shelf or in a labeled bin. Put them somewhere cool and dry where you're sure to see them, but out of the reach of kids and pets.
Check the labels every 6 months and get rid of drugs past the expiration date. Throw away meds that are left over from illnesses you don't have anymore. Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of them.
Organize Your Pills
Can't remember when to take your meds? Ask your pharmacist about "multi-dose" packaging. All the pills that you take at the same time and day are grouped together in one package.
You can also get a pill organizer. Some let you divide up doses into separate sections by day as well as by morning, afternoon, and evening. Have your pharmacist check it to make sure you've set it up the right way.
Leave Yourself Notes
Sometimes low-tech works well, too. Leave Post-It notes where you're likely to see them. Stick one on the bathroom mirror or fridge door. Put one near items you use every day, like your toothbrush or your car keys.
You can also leave notes for yourself on a paper calendar. Or, write a memo on a dry erase board that you keep in a central place, like the kitchen.
Set Up a Refill Schedule
Don't wait until your prescription runs out to get a new supply. Set a reminder on your computer or phone to contact your pharmacy when you still have a few pills left.
You can also ask the pharmacist to set up auto refills. Some prescription plans let you get a 90-day prescription that can be picked up at the drugstore or mailed to your home.
Get Into a Routine
Make medicine part of your daily tasks. Take your pills at the same time you do other regular activities -- before you brush your teeth, after you eat breakfast, or at bedtime.
If you need to take your medicine at work, keep a supply of pills in your purse, briefcase, or at the office.
Ask for Help
Recruit a "medicine buddy" who can remind you when to take your pills. Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to call, email, or text you at a set time each day. That person can also help you set up a system for taking your medicine.
copied from WebMD.com...all rights belong to them
Use High-Tech Reminders
Need to juggle a bunch of meds? Set a timer on your cell phone or watch to remind you to take a pill. Or, download an app that sends you a message that it's medicine time. You can even buy pill bottles that beep or glow at the right moment.
Keep Track of Your Meds
Your pharmacy can provide an online way to manage your medicines all in one place.
You can also load your list of medications into a smartphone app so you always have it with you.
Know Your Meds
Before you leave your doctor's office with a new prescription, ask lots of questions. Find out why you need the drug and how it works. Tell your doctor about all the other meds you take, so he can make sure the new one will "play well" with them.
Don't forget to check about side effects. And see what you should do if you miss a dose.
Stay With One Pharmacy
Find a retail or online pharmacy you like and stick with it. That way all your prescriptions are in one place, so it's easier for your pharmacist to spot drugs that could be risky if you take them together.
Are you busy during a traditional hours store hours? Don't worry. Look for 24/7 pharmacies that can serve you when it's a good time for you.
Know Your Labels
Read them carefully every time you get a prescription filled. They list the name and strength of the medicine, and how much and how often to take it. You'll also learn the number of refills you have left.
Brightly colored stickers on the sides of the bottle warn about side effects and problems with food or other medicines. If the label is too small for you to read, ask your pharmacist to use large print.
Start a Storage System
Keep all your medicines in one spot -- on their own shelf or in a labeled bin. Put them somewhere cool and dry where you're sure to see them, but out of the reach of kids and pets.
Check the labels every 6 months and get rid of drugs past the expiration date. Throw away meds that are left over from illnesses you don't have anymore. Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of them.
Organize Your Pills
Can't remember when to take your meds? Ask your pharmacist about "multi-dose" packaging. All the pills that you take at the same time and day are grouped together in one package.
You can also get a pill organizer. Some let you divide up doses into separate sections by day as well as by morning, afternoon, and evening. Have your pharmacist check it to make sure you've set it up the right way.
Leave Yourself Notes
Sometimes low-tech works well, too. Leave Post-It notes where you're likely to see them. Stick one on the bathroom mirror or fridge door. Put one near items you use every day, like your toothbrush or your car keys.
You can also leave notes for yourself on a paper calendar. Or, write a memo on a dry erase board that you keep in a central place, like the kitchen.
Set Up a Refill Schedule
Don't wait until your prescription runs out to get a new supply. Set a reminder on your computer or phone to contact your pharmacy when you still have a few pills left.
You can also ask the pharmacist to set up auto refills. Some prescription plans let you get a 90-day prescription that can be picked up at the drugstore or mailed to your home.
Get Into a Routine
Make medicine part of your daily tasks. Take your pills at the same time you do other regular activities -- before you brush your teeth, after you eat breakfast, or at bedtime.
If you need to take your medicine at work, keep a supply of pills in your purse, briefcase, or at the office.
Ask for Help
Recruit a "medicine buddy" who can remind you when to take your pills. Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to call, email, or text you at a set time each day. That person can also help you set up a system for taking your medicine.
copied from WebMD.com...all rights belong to them
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