Tips For Taking Your Medications Safely
Corey Remle, Community Health Worker
Nearly 70% of adults take at least one medication each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many older adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may take five or more daily. Unfortunately, many do not take their medicines as prescribed by their physicians – taking them less often than prescribed, cutting the pills in half so they last longer to save money, or not staying on schedule. These outcomes can cause unwanted and negative health effects.
It can be challenging to keep track of medications, so here are tips that may help:
- Take your medication at the same timeevery day. Before choosing a time, check if your medication should be taken on a full or empty stomach.
- Use a pill container.Refill the pill container at the same time every week.
- Keep a “medicine calendar”near your pill bottle(s) and note each time you take a dose. Alternatively, set alarms on your cell phone as reminders.
- When traveling, bring enough of your medications plus a few days extra just in case.
- Get all medicines refilled from the same pharmacy, if possible.
- Ask questionsif you become confused, especially if the provider is giving you a new medication.
- Share a listof all medications and supplements you are currently taking with a trusted family member or friend in case they need to help you in an emergency.
HopeHealth offers three pharmacy locations: HopeHealth Medical Plaza (360 N. Irby St in Florence), HopeHealth on Pine Needles Road (3380 Pine Needles Rd in Florence), and HopeHealth in Orangeburg (1857 Joe Jeffords Highway). Our pharmacies have affordable prescription pricing, convenient hours, drive-thru delivery service, and free delivery options. Please visit us at any location, visit our website, or call (843) 656-0390 for more information.