Most people know that taking medication is important to stay healthy, but many don’t fully understand the concept of medication management.
Medication management is the process of taking medications correctly and on time. It involves outlining a complete and accurate list of necessary medication, especially in the case of some older adults. This also includes understanding why you are taking each medication and how it works while knowing the potential side effects and interactions of your medications.
By managing your medications effectively, you can ensure better health outcomes for yourself and your loved ones. So, here are some tips to manage your medications.
Keep your medications in a safe place
As we grow older, it becomes increasingly important to manage the medicine properly because of taking multiple medications on a daily basis.
While medications can be an essential part of maintaining our health, it’s also important to make sure that you store them safely and out of the reach of others, especially if you live in a community. Some retirement communities offer medication management programs in place, as it is explained in this post. By arranging, assisting and monitoring their needs, this support ensures that all residents have access to their necessary medications which are coordinated by professionals.
If you do not have help like this for your medications, you can use a pill box or keep them in an easy-to-access cabinet. It is also important to label all medications clearly and to dispose of any expired or unused medications properly.
Track your medications
Medication management boils down to making a detailed plan for your medicine intake, to make it easier for you to manage your dosages and prevent over or underdosing in any circumstances. There are a few key things you can do to help manage your medicines:
- Keep a list of all the medications you’re taking and when you need to take them.
- Write it down and make checklists if it is necessary.
- Use your calendar to track dosages and times.
- Put an alarm on your phone or watch to remind yourself to take your medicines.
- Set up reminders for yourself by using a user-friendly phone application.
- Use a pill box that you can track days on it.
- Refill your prescriptions on time.
- Try to adjust your medications according to your daily routine.
You can read this article if you need more tips for yourself or your loved ones on coming up with a plan for prescription doses.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for assistance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 65.5% of Canadian adults aged 40–79 used one or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days, and 18.8% used five or more. With such a high percentage of the population taking medications on a regular basis, it’s important to have a system in place to track when to take them.
As such, another way to get help with managing your medications is to create a schedule with your doctor or pharmacist about options such as using a pill box or getting prescription delivery. They can help you come up with a plan that fits your lifestyle and ensures that you’re taking the right doses at the right times.
In addition, they can also answer any questions you have about your medications and offer helpful tips for managing them. So, if you’re looking for help to get your medication regimen under control, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for assistance. Creating a medication management plan and working with your doctor or pharmacist can help you stay on track and ensure that all of your medications work together for optimum results.
Be aware of the side effects
To manage their medications safely, it is important for patients to be aware of the potential side effects and to report any changes to their doctor. Some common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. However, more serious side effects can also occur.
To minimize the risks, patients should take their medications as prescribed and report any changes in their symptoms to their healthcare provider. By working together, patients and providers can ensure that medications are used safely and effectively.
Talk to your doctor first before quitting
It is important to never stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first. If you are feeling better, it may be tempting to just stop taking the medication. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe to do so. Some medications need to be slowly tapered off, and stopping suddenly can have serious effects.
In addition, some medical conditions may flare up if medication is stopped abruptly. Talking to your doctor about medications can ensure that you are safely and effectively managing your condition.
Conclusion
Managing your medications is critical to your health and well-being. By taking the time to understand how medication management works, you can take control of your health and ensure that you are getting the most out of your prescriptions. By creating a medication management routine, you can take control of your health and ensure that all your medications work together to improve your overall condition.
If you haven’t already, start by making a list of all the medications you’re currently taking and their corresponding doses. Next, find a time each day when you can review this information and take any necessary actions. This could be right before bed, first thing in the morning, or during a specific block of time each day devoted to managing your health. Whatever works best for you is what’s most important. With a little effort, medication management can become second nature and help improve both the quality and length of your life.
