General Medication-Taking Strategies
Strategies to make medication-taking easier
Taking multiple medications to manage and/or treat different conditions can get complicated. This video contains some strategies that can help with taking medications when out of the house, minimize the impact of medications on daily activity, and make managing multiple medications easier. These strategies are also listed and described below.
Talk to your healthcare provider
Talk to your healthcare provider about your lifestyle and how it may influence your medication schedule. Discuss the possibility of compounding some medications into single pills to reduce the number of medications taken. Confirm with your pharmacist the dose and timing of each medication and make sure to follow the instructions.
Create a medication list and schedule
The medication list and schedule can be used to track your medications:
- For the medication list, include the medication name, purpose, dose, type and appearance, frequency, expected outcome, and potential side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. . Keep track of medications taken (see table)
- Keep track of when refills and renewals are:
- Medication refills: A medication refill
When you are able to get a supply of your medication when you are low or out of medication without having to through your prescriber.
is when you are running low on your medication and you can request the medication to be filled from the pharmacy, without having to contact the prescriber
- For medication refills, make sure you include the date of when to get your medication refilled in your medication list (and if this will be done automatically or if you must refill it), as well as when each medication needs to be renewed
- Medication renewals: A medication renewal
When you need your medications prescribed again by your doctor to you can keep taking your medications as needed.
is when the medication cannot be refilled by the pharmacy, and you must contact the prescriber before a medication refill
When you are able to get a supply of your medication when you are low or out of medication without having to through your prescriber.
can be ordered
- For medication renewals, it may also be helpful to note which healthcare provider will have to renew the medication and their process for doing so (in person vs. virtual appointment, tests required, etc.)
- Medication refills: A medication refill
When you are able to get a supply of your medication when you are low or out of medication without having to through your prescriber.
is when you are running low on your medication and you can request the medication to be filled from the pharmacy, without having to contact the prescriber
- Take pictures of your medication list and the individual medication labels. Save these images on your phone for quick reference when needed
- Incorporate your medication schedule in an online or paper chart (Free Medication Schedule Provided by Healthwise). You can also use phone apps specifically for creating medication schedules (e.g. Medisafe®).
Organize your medications
Ask your pharmacy team what pill organizers are available (e.g. blister packs Type of medication packaging that contains pre-formed pockets or cavities that holds pills, tablets, or capsules. , medication dispensers, dosettes, pill bottles) and what may work best based on your medication schedule. A more detailed description of the available options can be found here.
Using a pill organizer to pre-sort medications can serve as a visual aid for what has already been taken, help prevent missing a dose, and help to plan timely refills.
Plan for on-the-go
It is possible that you may have to take your medications when you are out of the house. To plan accordingly, consider the following strategies:
- Pre-sort medications in a compact pill organizer or a travel-sized pill container that can easily fit in a pocket or purse when outside the house
- Refer to your medication management app or keep a small medication list in your wallet to check medication details (e.g. dosage) and to track medications taken
- Set alarms on your phone or in a medication reminder app to remember to take your medications on time
- Carry a travel water bottle to help you swallow your medications
- Pack and carry non-perishable snacks in compact containers if your medications need to be taken with food
Develop a support network
Talk to other people who are in a similar situation and can provide tips and strategies that worked for them. Ask for help from family and friends (e.g. determine who to contact for help if you cannot access your medications when it is time to take them).
Minimize impact on daily activities
Sometimes the medications you are taking can have an impact on your usual daily activities (e.g. spending time with family and friends, participating in exercise or rehabilitation Process of assessment, treatment and management to help a person who has suffered an illness or injury restore lost skills and improve. ).
- It is important to note that the impact of standard-use medications on daily activities may be more predictable than “off-label” usage as the medication is tested for standard use. For more information on the distinction between standard use and off-label use of medication Prescribing a medicine to treat a condition or symptom that has not been approved for that use by regulatory authorities. , visit Module 2.
- It is possible for you to safely minimize the impact that the medications can have on your activities by consulting your healthcare provider or pharmacist. For example, if the medication makes you feel drowsy, ask your pharmacist whether you can take the medication at night, as opposed to during the day.
Follow up
Secondary conditions A mental or physical health condition that occurs because of a primary health condition. , as well as your overall health, can change over time and may require changes in medications or dosage. Therefore, you should schedule regular medication reviews with your healthcare provider to ensure that the medications taken are still appropriate.
- Bring any medication information to your appointment
- Discuss medication effectiveness How well a medicine treats a health problem or improves symptoms in real-world conditions. , side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. and any concerns or potential adjustments
References
MedlinePlus. (2022, August 11). Taking multiple medicines safely: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000883.htm
Slivinski, N. (2023, September 13). Organizing tips for your medications. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/drugs-organize-your-meds
Note: Some of the information included above is also based on lived experiences.