Whether it’s a prescription or over the counter, you should know what your medications do and easily keep track of them. Sometimes doing so from memory is not the best decision. They all do different things in your body, and it’s vital that you use them according to recommendations and within the allotted time. In addition, it’s important to know all the details needed to take each medicine. For example, whether or not you need to have it with a meal or if you need to take two pills instead of one.
It’s not uncommon to use multiple medications. So, if you have multiple prescriptions and you feel like sometimes you forget about them or maybe that you’re using them at the wrong time, then we have some tips for you.
So, consider these tips and learn how to manage taking multiple medications.
5 Tips For Managing Multiple Medications
Use these 5 tips to manage your medication usage better. Share with us in the comments how they work for you or if you have any other helpful tips that people can use.
1. Keep an easy-to-read list of all your medications.
In order to manage your medications, you need to know all of them. So, take the time to list them out and update the list as things change. Make sure that this list is in a place you look at daily. This way, you’re reminded of the medications you need to take when you see them.
2. Make a chart or set an alarm for each medication.
If your medications need to be taken at different times of the day, you can create a chart with the name of the medication, the time of day you need to take it, whether it needs a meal or not, and how much to take. Also, keep this chart in a place that you see daily or in your medicine cabinet. If you feel like a chart is not your style, set an alarm for when to take your prescription or over-the-counter medicine. If you need to take multiple in the morning, you can name the alarm as the medications needed to take during that time. (Ex. Alarm Name: Take [name of medicines])
3. Use a pill organizer.
If your medications are all over the place or you know that a list will not help, try using a pill organizer. They usually are labeled for every day of the week, and you can put in each pill for that day, and at the end of the week, you can refill it. If you must take them at different times of the day, you can find an organizer that is labeled according to time or make one yourself.
4. Refill your prescriptions at the same pharmacy.
For the medications that you have to use daily, it’s important that you don’t run out of them. So, when you see that the container it’s almost empty, take the time to order your refill or set up an auto-refill with your pharmacy. If you need to see your doctor before a new refill can be given, then make sure you get that provider visit done before you run out. That way, you’re prepared before you are out of medication. In addition, it makes it easy for you if all your prescriptions are refilled at the same pharmacy. This way, you don’t have to stress about which medication is at which pharmacy.
Make taking your medications a part of your routine.
It’s easy to remember something when it’s a part of your routine. So, make taking your medicines a habit just like anything else. You wake up, brush your teeth, take a shower, have breakfast, and take your medicines. Once you do this a couple of times, it becomes a habit, and before you know it, you’re regularly taking your medications.
Ways to Save
Prescriptions can be expensive, and sometimes, even if you have insurance, there might be some out-of-pocket costs. There are various ways to save. You can choose to go generic or ask for a longer supply, like 90 days, if that is possible for your specific prescription. In addition, you can look for FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers) that have pharmacies with a 340B Pharmacy Drug Program. These FQHCs’ pharmacies have a patient-only discount on prescription drugs. Lastly, if you want to stay with your pharmacy, you can look for or ask for patient assistance plans.
MyCHN Pharmacy
If you are a MyCHN patient, you can visit any of our 8 locations with a pharmacy. The great thing about using our clinics is that you don’t have to choose another place to get your prescriptions. Get them on the same day, right after your visit. In addition, with our 340B Program, prescription costs are affordable. You can enjoy these exclusive low costs by visiting your local MyCHN site, scheduling an appointment with a provider, and getting your prescription today.
Try out these prescription managing tips, and let us know what works for you in the comments. If you have any tips of your own, leave those in the comments as well.
Resources
John Hopkins Medicine: Help for Managing Multiple Medications
Geisinger: Your guide to safely managing multiple medications
