Kern Legacy Health Plan | A Legacy of Good Health | Spring 2022

How to manage your medicines Medicines can be wonderful, powerful things. They can treat and even cure illness. They can help us live healthier and longer lives. But in order for our medicines to work, we need to take them as directed. That can be difficult if you’re one of the many people who take multiple medicines. It can be hard to keep track of what you’ve taken in any given day. And it’s easy to get confused. Here are some tips to help you more easily manage your medicines. Try them, and see which ones work best for you: ● Take your medicines at the same time every day—then it’s easier to remember them. ● Time your medicines with other daily activities, like brushing your teeth. ● Ask others in your household to help you remember to take your medicines. ● Stick colored labels on your medicine containers to help you remember which medi- cines to take in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening. For example, blue can be for morning, yellow for afternoon and red for evening. ● Ask your pharmacist to recommend pill containers divided by days of the week. Or your pharmacist might even be able to put timer caps on your pill bottles that beep to remind you it’s time to take that medicine. ● Keep a calendar near where you store your medicines. Write down every time you take a dose. ● Put a reminder note on something you see often, like your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. ● If you’re using a pill container, refill it at the same time each week. For example, refill it every Sunday night after dinner. Still having trouble? If none of these tips seem to work for you, talk with your doctor. Let them know you’re having trouble keeping track of your medicines. Working together, you may be able to come up with a solution. Finally, never stop taking any medicines unless your doctor tells you it’s OK to do so— even if you’re feeling fine. Your medicines may be the very reason you feel better. If you don’t think one of your medicines is working—or it is too costly for you—let your doctor know that too. They may be able to prescribe something else. Source: American Heart Association How to safely give medicines to children When your child needs medicine, be sure to give the right amount. Children can be harmed when parents or other caregivers give too much, or even too little, medicine. Many dosing errors are related to giving liquid medi- cines. To help prevent these mistakes: ● Always read the medicine’s label instructions. ● Use the oral syringe or dosing cup that comes with the medicine. This will allow you to give the precise amount of medicine, measured in milliliters (mL). If you don’t have one of these devices, ask your doctor for one or get one at a drugstore. ● Never use a kitchen spoon to give medicine. Household spoons vary considerably in shape and size. Using one could result in an inaccurate dose. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Your new medicine checklist Your doctor is prescribing you a new medicine. What should you do next? ■ Ask the name of the medicine. This way, you’ll notice if the pharmacy gives you something different. ■ Know why you’re taking it. You’re more likely to use a medicine correctly if you know how it’s helping you. ■ Be clear on how to take it. For example, ask: • What side effects might I have? • Should I take it before, with or after meals? • Is there anything I should avoid while taking this? • What should I do if I forget a dose? ■ Make sure your doctor knows what else you’re taking. Go over a list of all the medicines you’re taking—including vitamins and herbal products. ■ Read the label—and take it only as directed. Still have questions? Follow up with your doctor or pharmacy. Never stop taking a medicine without talking with your provider first. Store medicines in a secure location. Keep them out of the reach and sight of kids, visitors and pets. Sources: BeMedWise Program; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Take with care