Seven tips for effectively managing your medications

Medications need to be taken correctly in order to work properly and not jeopardize your health and safety. When you have multiple prescriptions, this can become difficult. Here are seven things you can do to simplify managing your medications.

1. To reduce the chances of missing a dose, synchronize taking medication with a daily activity such as brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.

2. Take advantage of services and products offered by your pharmacy. This may include the following:

• Daily call reminders for taking medication
• Online or preauthorized prescription renewal
• Delivery of medication to your home
• Synchronization of renewal dates for your various medication
• Large-print labels
• Easy-to-open packages
• Pillboxes

3. Consult your pharmacist before buying over-the-counter medication (including natural health products) in order to prevent reactions with other medication you’re taking.

4. Gain a thorough knowledge of your medication by asking your pharmacist about it.

5. When taking medication, respect the prescribed dosage and treatment period. If you’ve forgotten a dose, don’t double it: speak to your pharmacist.

6. Properly store your medications: keep them in their original container, far from heat sources or moisture and out of reach of children.

7. Regularly check the expiry dates on your medication. Return expired medication to your pharmacy.

When seeing a health professional, always bring with you an updated list of the medications you’re taking. For further advice on how to safely and effectively manage your medications, talk to your pharmacist.