TIPS FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTIONS
Are you having a hard time managing your multiple medication prescriptions? Learn tips from medical experts to help you stay on track. Learn tips from the experts on how to keep safe with many prescriptions.
Nearly 25% of Americans take three or more medications to treat health conditions. Taking one medication is fairly easy to track, but juggling several prescriptions can feel overwhelming. From remembering when to take each one to knowing all the potential interactions, managing multiple medications requires careful attention. At Mederi Urgent Care in the Melrose Hill neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, our team of medical professionals offers guidance on managing multiple prescriptions.
Make a master medication list
When managing multiple medications, it's vital to have a master list of all your drugs. This list is good for you and your providers and should include:
Prescription name
Dose
Prescribing doctor
Search the internet for printable medication sheets to help you get started, and keep the list in your wallet so you have it with you at all times. Update your list anytime you start or stop taking a medication.
Get help from your pharmacist
If you're on multiple medications, you may need to visit your pharmacist more frequently than your primary care provider. Use the same pharmacy for all of your medications so they can help you track them. They can also ensure that they all work together and discuss interactions to keep you safe. Additionally, when you get a new prescription, take advantage of pharmacy counseling. They can review the prescription with you so you know when and how much to take each day.
Use pill organizers
Taking multiple medications requires some level of organization. Pill organizers are a great tool that can help. Select the style of organizer that best suits your medication schedule. You can find ones that organize by day as well as day and time.
Make a plan to divvy out your drugs at the start of each week so you stay on track.
Create a pill routine
Even when you have the best tools available, they may not work if you don't remember to take your pills as prescribed. To combat this, we recommend getting yourself into a pill routine. Try to take your medications at the same time every day, whether it's before breakfast or after dinner. Whatever works best for you. This routine helps you associate taking your medications with other daily and routine practices. Pill reminder apps and notifications may also be effective.
Keep your primary provider informed
Your primary care provider is your healthcare manager and should be aware of all the medications you take. If you visit a specialist and they prescribe a medication, and we're your primary provider, please let us know. We can review the new drug and ensure it doesn't interact with any other medicines or cancel any existing ones.
You don't have to manage all your medications on your own. Let us help you keep track. Call us today or book an appointment online.
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