Make the most of your meds

Taking medicine correctly isn’t always easy—especially if you’re taking multiple medications. It can be hard to remember how and when to take each medicine. This is important, because forgetting to take medicine or not taking it as directed can make it less effective, putting your health at risk.

The more you know about your medicine and how to take it, the more likely it will help you stay as healthy as possible. Here are some tips:

Get organized. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking, including all nonprescription drugs and supplements and herbal products. Write down the dosage and how often you’re supposed to take each one. Take this list to all your doctors’ appointments to alert your doctors to what medications you are already taking. This will make it less likely that any new medicine will interact with something you’re already taking. (See MedTracker form on page 14)

Use reminders. Use a pill container with compartments that help organize your medications by day and week. Automated pill containers feature electronic reminder alarms that beep. You can also set your watch or cell phone alarms to remind you to take your medicine.

Check labels before leaving the pharmacy. Be sure you received the right medicine, and make sure you know the answers to these questions: How many times a day are you supposed to take it? Should you take it with or without food? Can it be stored in the medicine cabinet or does it need to be refrigerated? Ask the pharmacist if there are any prescription or over-the-counter drugs or supplements that might interact with this medication to cause side effects.

Side effects? Speak up! If a medication is causing side effects that make it hard to tolerate, you’ll be more likely to skip doses or stop taking it altogether. Tell your doctor about side effects so you can work together to find alternative drugs or dosing regimens.

Remember, even the most effective medication won’t help