Category: Prescriptions
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Helpful Hints for Taking Medications as Prescribed
June 21, 2009
Are you a caregiver? Here are some ways to help you stay on top of prescription medication routines for the one you care for.
Administering to another or taking your own medications as prescribed is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy, but it also can be one of the more difficult prescriptions to follow.
Following a doctor's orders
Some people may just have a hard time remembering to take their medications. Others may not understand how to take them properly, or may not be able to afford to take them as often as prescribed.
Here are some helpful hints for taking medications as prescribed by a doctor:
- Set an alarm to help you remember to take your medications the same time each day
- Use a pill box that shows if you've taken your medications each day
- Don't increase or decrease your pills for any reason unless your doctor tells you to
- Keep a prescription drug refill schedule
- Ask your doctor if any generic or lower-cost alternatives are available for your medications
- If you have concerns about generics, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about them
A checklist
- Do I know what all of my medications are for?
- Do I know how many times a day I should take each medication?
- Are my medications affordable for me?
- Are there any special instructions for any of my medications (such as taking them with food, milk or plenty of water)?
To talk to a health professional about your medications - especially if you answered "no" to any of these questions - call to schedule your free consultation. Call toll-free at 1-888-686-4486 (TTY 1-800-833-3301), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
