Managing your medications is an important part of taking care of your heart and keeping you feeling well. Medications can reduce symptoms and slow disease progression. This can reduce hospital visits and improve your quality of life.
The tips below are designed to help you stay organized, take your medications safely, and ensure your healthcare team has all the necessary information about your medications.
1. Know your medications
- Keep an up-to-date list in your purse or wallet with the name, dose, and reason you are taking each medication, including vitamins and supplements.
- Bring your medications and medication list to every appointment so your healthcare team knows what you are taking.
- Check when your medications expire. Do not take expired medication.
2. Take medications as prescribed
- Use reminders, blister packs, pill organizers or a medication tracking app to stay on schedule. Ask your pharmacist about ways to organize your medications.
- Renew your prescriptions on time; do not wait until the last day to renew. Add a reminder on your phone or calendar.
- Never stop or reduce the dose of a medication without speaking to your healthcare team, even if your prescription is running out.
3. Know how to manage missed doses
- Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare team if you have missed a dose and are not sure what to do.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose unless you are told to do so by your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Watch for side effects
- Learn about common and serious side effects of your medications.
- Report anything serious or unusual to your healthcare team; there may be alternative medication options.
- Refer to your specific patient guide for common heart medication side effects.
5. Get to know your pharmacist
- Always use the same pharmacy to make it easier to track drug interactions and side effects.
- Ask if you are eligible for an annual comprehensive medication review, a one-on-one review with your pharmacist.
6. Ask about drug interactions
- Some foods (like grapefruit, leafy greens, or alcohol) can interact with heart medications.
- Always check before starting new medications or supplements, including over-the-counter medications.
7. Manage costs
- Ask if there are lower-cost options (generic brands, different formulations).
- Look into provincial drug coverage programs; if you are having trouble affording your medications, talk to your healthcare team.
8. Keep up with blood work and blood pressure monitoring
- Some medications require regular blood tests to monitor how well they are working and to check for side effects. Make sure you do all blood work ordered by your healthcare team. They will give you requisitions to take to the lab.
- Learn how to check your blood pressure and heart rate at home. You can also find blood pressure machines at some grocery stores and most pharmacies.
- Track your readings and bring them to appointments; this helps your healthcare team adjust your medications if needed.
9. Follow up regularly with your healthcare team
- Share updates about how you are feeling and any concerns.
- Never hesitate to ask questions—there are no silly questions when it comes to your health.
- If you do not have a family doctor, let your team know; they may be able to help you register for provincial waiting lists.
10. Prepare for travel
- Pack enough medication to last your entire trip plus a few extra days, just in case.
- Always carry a copy of your medication list.
- Store medications safely and according to storage instructions.