Matthew Guerriero, RPh, AAHIVP

Many adults in the U.S. take prescription medications. Around 33% take one medication a day, and 20% take five or more each day. Despite this level of use, research suggests that over half of Americans with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes don’t take their medications as prescribed. Even more concerning, over 30% never even fill their prescription for a new medication.

There are many reasons people don’t take medicine the way they should. Some people worry about side effects, or don’t feel any different while taking it. Others think the medicine isn’t needed because they don’t have symptoms. Cost can also be a big reason. Additionally, some people take so many medicines that they feel confused or overwhelmed.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget to take medicine, like when you’re sick, traveling, or busy. However, missing doses can be dangerous. For example, skipping blood pressure medicine can lead to serious problems like stroke, heart disease, or kidney damage. You might feel fine at first, but stopping your medicine can cause bigger problems later.

The good news is that there are simple ways to stay on track with your medicine. Here are nine tips to help:

1. Talk to Your Provider or Pharmacist

Find a provider or pharmacist you trust. Ask questions like:

• Why am I taking this?
• How should I take it?
• What side effects should I look out for?

Never stop your medicine without talking to your provider first. Some medicines can cause harm if you stop suddenly.

2. Keep a List

Make a list of all your medicines, even vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Write down the names, doses, and times when you take them. Update the list when things change.

3. Schedule a Yearly Medication Check

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines once a year. They can:

• Look for side effects
• Check for drug interactions
• See if there are easier or cheaper options

If you have Medicare or other insurance, this might be a covered service.

4. Take Medicine at the Same Time Each Day

Taking your medicine at the same time every day helps it work better. Try pairing it with a daily habit, like brushing your teeth or making coffee. Keep your medicine in a spot where you’ll see it (but out of reach of children and pets!).

5. Use Reminders

You can:

• Set phone alarms
• Use a notebook or sticky note
• Turn the bottle sideways after taking it, then upright before bed
• Try timer caps that tell you the last time the bottle was opened

Timer caps are available at many retail pharmacies or online, and they make it easier to see if you’ve taken your medication. These are designed with a built-in timer that starts when you close the bottle, so you can see how much time has passed. The timer resets each time the bottle is opened.

6. Use a Pill Organizer

Pill boxes can help you sort medicine by day and time. Some have spaces for morning, afternoon, and night doses. Choose one that fits your schedule, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Smaller options are also available and convenient for travel.

7. Don’t Run Out

Set reminders to refill your prescriptions. Some pharmacies offer auto-refill or even home delivery. Ask your pharmacy if these options are available.

8. Try a Medication App

There are free apps like Medisafe, MyMeds, and Pillboxie that help you:

• Get reminders
• Track doses
• Set refill alerts
• Keep notes about side effects

9. Ask for Help with Costs

If your medicine is too expensive, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may:

• Find a lower-cost option
• Give you a discount card
• Help you apply for programs that lower the cost

HopeHealth Pharmacy locations are open to HopeHealth patients and the public. HopeHealth offers six pharmacy locations, with two in Florence at the Medical Plaza and Pine Needles locations, as well as Kingstree, Greeleyville, Manning, and Orangeburg locations. HopeHealth patients find it easy and convenient to see their provider and pick up medications in the same location.

Our pharmacy staff takes extra steps to make copays as economical as possible, and a sliding fee scale is also available for those who qualify. Additionally, HopeHealth Pharmacy offers the Rx Local App with “Rx ready” text messaging, mobile refill requests, and medication listing. Free local delivery or shipping medications to your home is available at Florence pharmacy locations and HopeHealth Pharmacy Manning. Shipping is also available at HopeHealth Pharmacy Orangeburg. Stop by or call any of our pharmacy locations for more information.

Matthew Guerriero is the Retail Pharmacy Manager for all HopeHealth Pharmacy locations. He is a Registered Pharmacist and an HIV Pharmacist with the American Academy of HIV Medicine. For more information, call (843) 667-9414 or visit us online at hope-health.org.