A simpler way to stay on top of your medications

 “Take as directed.” These three little words on your medicine bottles sound simple enough. But the short phrase is a reminder to keep reading and pay close attention.   

The reason: Every prescription drug comes with its own set of instructions. Following them closely is key to getting the most benefit from your medicines. It also lowers the risk of side effects.     

You can have both short-term and long-term effects from not taking your medication as directed. Let’s take high blood pressure as an example. Miss one dose of your medication, and you might feel dizzy. Keep missing doses, and your odds of having a heart attack or stroke increase.  

Or maybe you’re taking an antidepressant. Skip doses or stop taking it suddenly, and you may get stomach cramps. Or you could have sleep problems or mood swings. Your depression symptoms could even come back.  

The bottom line: Healthcare providers prescribe medications with the goal of keeping you healthy. Sticking with the treatment plan is a key part of that process. Here’s what you need to know and some tips to help.  

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What to know about dosage, frequency, and guidelines    

When your provider or pharmacist tells you to follow the instructions on your drug label, they really want you to pay attention to three important things:    

1. Dosage. This is the exact amount to take. It’s based on many years of scientific research, plus your provider’s expertise. Taking the directed dose ensures that you take in the best level of medication to get the desired results.  
    
2. Frequency. This is how often you take the drug. For example, you may have to take a pill twice a day, or just once every 24 hours. 
    
3. Administration guidelines. These offer more detail on how you should take your medication. They might say to chew a pill, swallow it whole, or take it with food.      

Following these steps helps your body use the medication effectively. It can also help you fend off side effects. 

Tricks for sticking to your medication routine

Struggle to remember to take your meds? You’re not alone. Research suggests more than 60% of people say the same thing. Here are some tools and tricks to help you stay on track:  

• Use a smartphone ​​app like the Blue KC Care Management app that comes with your plan. It lets you set reminders to take your medications. Plus, it has a checklist tool to help you keep track of whether you’ve taken your daily doses.   
   
• Keep your medications in a visible place. Put them next to something that’s already part of your daily routine, like your coffee pot or ​​toothbrush.   
   
• Sort them into a pill organizer. Choose one with the days of the week or even times of day.  
   
• Post reminders on sticky notes. Put them at eye level on your bathroom mirror or fridge door so you won’t miss them.   
   
• Take your meds at the same time of day you give your pet a treat. If you forget, they’ll be sure to remind you.  

Ask if you have questions

If the directions aren’t clear to you, or if you can’t follow them, talk to your doctor. Pharmacists are also a great place to start. They’re pros at interpreting information for patients. If you need more info, they can also reach out to your provider.     

Be honest about any challenges you face in sticking to a plan. That way your doctor or pharmacist can think of other options or strategies that will truly work for you.  

Article sources: 
Using medication safely: U.S. Food & Drug Administration   
Study on medication adherence: BMC Health Services Research 
Going off antidepressants: Harvard Health Publishing