How many different medicines do you take? Many people with a heart condition take several. You might sometimes puzzle over which medicine to take when, how much to take, or what it’s for. To prevent missed or double doses, side effects, and drug interactions, keep your medications organized. Try following these tips to avoid problems.

1. Write down the basics about each medicine. Here’s what to record: medicine name (generic and brand name), what you use it for, when to take it, how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it. Make sure you note whether to avoid mixing the medicine with any others or with any foods or drinks.
2. Tell your doctors which medicines you take. This includes all prescriptions and any over-thecounter drugs, nutritional supplements, herbs, and other remedies. Keep an up-to-date list of everything you take. Bring it whenever you see your doctor. Ask whether any of the items can cause problems when combined.
3. Use a weekly pillbox. These boxes have seven compartments, one for each day of the week. Some have additional slots for different times of day, such as morning, midday, and bedtime. If you stock your pillbox at the beginning of the week, then all week long it’s easy to tell whether you’ve taken a dose instead of trying to remember. You can also link taking your medicine with another routine activity, such as brushing your teeth, so you get used to taking it regularly.
4. Be alert for side effects. Ask your doctor what side effects may occur with each of your medicines and learn what you can do to avoid them. Find out when to report any side effects to your doctor. He or she may be able to adjust your dose or schedule, or substitute another drug, if side effects bother you.

Find Drug Info Online
Our online drug reference tool lets you find out more about the medicines you take. Go to www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on “Better Health for Life,” “Library,” and then “Drug Reference.”