|
Keeping Track of Your Medications |
 |
 |
 |
|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Monday, 25 January 2010 22:35 |
|
Heart Failure patients are oftentimes overwhelmed by the amount of medications they must take. Get a system that works. You need to know:
1. Which medications to take each day
2. What each pill looks like
3. When to take your medications
Other important things to remember:
* Bring your medications with you each time you come to the clinic, hospital or plan to see the doctor.
* Always carry a list with you of medications you are currently taking. Consider purchasing a Medic Alert bracelet.
* Use the medication chart or diary provided for you.
*
o Bring it with you to any doctors appointments.
o Make sure your nurse updates this with any changes.
* Heart failure patients generally share in being overwhelmed by the cost of medications.
*
o Shop around local pharmacies to find the best prices for each prescription.
o Generic forms of most medications are usually cheaper. Your doctor will generally prescribe this if possible. Remind him.
o Mail order pharmacies are also usually great sources of savings.
o Internet/on-line pharmacies are usually very inexpensive but you need to plan ahead.
o You may qualify for some governmental or pharmaceutical company assistance programs. Our social service department is available to assist you.
o Please let us know if the cost is a problem with you taking your medications as prescribed.
* All medications have side effects and can interact with other drugs. It is very important that we know all drugs that you are taking.
* If you miss a dose, take the missed medicine at the next scheduled time. Do not go back and make up the dose.
Please call if:
* If you think a medicine is causing a problem. Do not just stop taking it. Some drugs have to be stopped gradually.
* If any physician starts you on a new medication or you begin an over-the-counter drug or herbal remedy.
Link:
http://www.texasheart.org/PatientCare/Centers/HLTransplant/Recovery.cfm
|