For people with chronic medication needs, staying on schedule can be a challenge. This is especially true if you have a busy schedule and you aren’t always home for there are a lot of things you attend to during the day.
Missing your medication schedule can have adverse effects on your health. If you have just come from illness or surgery, skipping medication can unnecessarily prolong or complicate your recovery. If you have a condition that requires you to take medication daily such as diabetes or hypertension, the consequences of missing a dose could be fatal.
If you struggle with staying on track with your daily doses of medicine, here are a few tips that can help you:
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Use a medication calendar
Print instructions for taking your medicines and their appropriate dosages, and display them in a prominent place. Tape the schedule to your refrigerator or next to your medicine cabinet. Your medication calendar should make it easy to cross out the previous days and the preceding doses that you have consumed. You can also download a medication tracker app on your phone. This can be useful if your phone is always beside you, so it can alert you when it’s time to take your medication.
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Use a daily pill container
There are many widely available seven-day and 30-day segmented pill containers. Some containers are partitioned in such a way that they divide each day into three compartments as well. Fill your prescription with the appropriate daily dosages at the start of each month.
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Take your medication at the same time each day
Taking your medicine at the same time every day can also help you stay on track, even without a calendar. If you have a once-a-day type of medication, drink it every morning after your first meal, unless otherwise indicated. Not only will you stay on track, but you can also help your body adjust to and anticipate the rhythm of the dosage.
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Always have at least two month’s supply
One of the reasons many people forget to take their medication is because they fail to replenish their stock. Shortages from your local supplier or healthcare provider can also hamper your ability to stay on your medication schedule. If you depend on daily medicine or supplements that are in high demand, set a calendar reminder on your phone to order your two-month supply, every month. In this manner, you will guarantee that your stock will be enough to tide you over in case there are manufacturing delays. It also gives you time to look for other suppliers or consult your healthcare provider for alternatives if your current medications become obsolete.
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Bring at least 50% additional supply if you travel
Aside from inadequate supply at home, another possible risk for missing your daily dose is when you don’t have enough when you are traveling. Unexpected events might leave you stranded at your destination without access to your specific medicines. If you travel, always bring an additional supply of at least 50%. That is, if you are leaving for 6 days, bring enough medicine for 9, or more. Always keep your medicine kit with you and never in your luggage. You may lose your luggage in transit and with it, your life-saving pills.
Staying on track with your medication and following your doctor’s instructions is necessary for you to achieve the best outcome for your recovery or to manage the symptoms of your chronic condition effectively. Taking your medicine on time is a deliberate habit motivated by the desire to stay strong and healthy. Skipping a dose might seem like a harmless act, but with each missed day, you might be increasing your risk of treatment failure or even death.
Do you need a medication tracker app that can help you stay on track with your dosages? Download the MedManage app for yourself or your family member who needs assistance remembering to take their medicines. Visit our website to find out how this technology can improve your personal healthcare.