5 potentially lifesaving medication management tips
As our age increases, chances are so will the number of medications and supplements we need to take just to stay in working order. However, if managed in correctly, you may experience complications from drug interactions or incorrect dosages. But if you’re treating multiple conditions, you’ll know just how difficult it can be to keep everything in check. So, to help you do just that, we’ve put together five simple tips for managing medications that could save your life.
1. Maintain an up-to-date medication list – Record (and update when necessary) the name of the medication, the dosage you take, how often/when you take it and why you take it. Bring this list with you wherever you go, but particularly whenever you visit the doctor or pharmacist.
2. Know your medications – In addition to a list, it never hurts to ask your doctor for a profile on each medication you take. This way, you can be aware of any potential side effects, so if you should experience one, you’ll have a good idea of which medication was the culprit.
3. Get organised – Medication organisers are cheap and easy to use, but if you don’t want to do it yourself, your pharmacist can fill out a weekly blister pack for a small fee, containing all the medications you need for each part of the day.
4. Store your medications properly – Heat and damp conditions can damage your medications, rendering them less effective. According to the NPS, you should “not store medicines in the bathroom or near a sink, or leave them in a car.” As always, ensure they’re kept far out of reach of children.
5. Keep it simple – You don’t want to have to run around from pharmacy to pharmacy all the time just to get what you need. Make it easy for yourself and find a chemist that stocks all your medications. If your pharmacist gets to know you and your dosages, there’s a much smaller chance of any errors. Also, chances are you can leave your prescriptions with them, meaning you don’t have to worry about forgetting any.
Do you take medications for multiple conditions? How do you manage all your tablets? Share your tips with us in the comments below.