Adherence to your prescribed medications can be challenging to maintain through busy schedules, illness, and just the general ups and downs of life. Taking your medications as prescribed is one of the critical components to managing your condition(s). With the right strategies in place, you can significantly improve medication adherence and ensure that your treatment is as effective as possible. Depending on your challenge, here are some tips to help you stay adherent to your medications and/or supplements:
1. Use a pill organizer
One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage multiple medications is by using a pill organizer. These come in various styles, from simple daily compartments to more advanced models with alarms. Organizers can help you:
- See exactly what you need to take each day – avoiding missed doses or accidental double-dosing.
- Pre-sort medications for the week – saving time and reducing confusion.
- Use pill organizers with AM and PM dosing for each day
2. Set alarms or reminders
Technology can be a great ally in helping you remember to take your medication. Use these tools:
- Phone alarms or apps (Like Ayuda Health) that send reminders at your prescribed times.
- Smartwatches or fitness trackers that offer vibrating reminders, are particularly helpful if you are in meetings or noisy environments.
- Medication reminder apps that allow you to log when you’ve taken your meds and even track refill schedules.
3. Tie medication to a daily routine
Building medication into your existing routine can make it easier to remember. For example:
- Take your medication with meals, if appropriate, align your doses with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Pair it with other daily habits, such as brushing your teeth, or setting your morning alarm, so that taking your medication becomes just another part of your routine. Stacking a new habit on top of an old one is a proven effective approach.
- If you take multiple drugs, combine them where possible with the most solid, consistent habit you have.
- Talk to your doctor about the best times to take your drugs.
Creating a habit that fits naturally into your day helps reduce the mental effort needed to remember.
4. Keep medication visible (When safe)
Out of sight often means out of mind. Placing your medication in a spot where you’ll regularly see it can be a helpful visual cue. Some suggestions:
- Keep it on your bedside table so it’s the first thing you see in the morning or before bed.
- Place it where you can tie the dosing to other established habits. If you have medications which can be stored at room temperature, place them next to items you know you will use each time, for example, near your toothbrush or workspace
Make sure to store medications safely, especially if you live with children or pets.
5. Simplify your medication schedule
If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with multiple doses throughout the day, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about simplifying your medication routine. Options may include:
- Extended-release formulations that allow you to take medication less frequently. Drugs such as metformin have extended-release formulations. The drugs typically have ER or XR after the brand name (e.g. Janumet XR).
- Combination medications that consolidate multiple drugs into a single pill. Depending on your therapeutic needs, there are interventions which combine two or more medications into one delivery system (e.g. tablet, capsule, inhaler, etc.). This reduces the number of doses you have to take. Examples include SGLT-2 inhibitors combined with metformin (e.g., Invokamet, Synjardy) for diabetes, atorvastatin combined with amlodipine (Caduet) to lower both cholesterol and blood pressure simultaneously
Simplifying your regimen can reduce confusion and the burden of remembering multiple doses.
6. Understand the importance of your medication
When you fully understand why you’re taking a medication and how it benefits your health, you’re more likely to stick with it. Ask your doctor:
- What the medication is treating.
- How it will improve your symptoms or prevent future health issues.
- What could happen if you miss doses or stop taking it?
Being informed can make a big difference in your motivation to stay on track.
7. Manage side effects
Side effects are one of the most common reasons people stop taking medication. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable side effects, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to:
- Adjust your dosage to minimize the effects.
- Switch you to a different medication with a similar benefit but fewer side effects.
- Offer suggestions for managing the side effects at home (e.g., taking medication with food to avoid nausea).
Record your side effects in a journal or notepad function. Record the date, and time, and describe the side effects in detail. It’s important to address side effects rather than discontinuing the medication on your own.
8. Plan ahead for travel and busy days
Life can sometimes disrupt your routine, but that doesn’t mean your medication schedule should be forgotten. A few strategies to help:
- Pack your medication in advance when travelling, and make sure you have enough for the entire trip.
- Set additional alarms if your schedule will change temporarily, so you don’t miss a dose.
- Keep a small pill container with you for unexpected busy days, so you can take your medication even if you’re away from home.
Being prepared for disruptions can prevent missed doses and ensure consistency.
9. Involve a family member or friend
Having a support system can make it easier to stay on track. Ask a family member or friend to:
- Check-in on your medication adherence from time to time.
- Help you with organizing your pills if you’re managing a complex regimen.
- Remind you of your doses, especially if you’re going through a period of forgetfulness or increased stress.
- Find a friend who is also taking multiple medications and schedule your doses together. Send brief acknowledgements to each other via text or a messaging app once you have taken your meds each day or to empower each other.
Accountability from someone you trust can give you an extra layer of support.
10. Don’t hesitate to ask for help
If you’re struggling with adherence for any reason, whether it’s due to memory issues, confusion about the medication, or financial constraints, reach out to your healthcare provider. They may be able to offer solutions such as:
- Medication assistance programs if cost is a barrier.
- Counselling on medication management to clear up any confusion.
- Adjustments to your prescription to better fit your lifestyle and needs.
Your healthcare team is there to support you, and it’s important to communicate any issues that are affecting your ability to stick to your treatment plan.
Conclusion
Improving medication adherence doesn’t have to be complicated. By using tools like reminders, establishing routines, and seeking support when needed, you can make your medication plan easier to manage and more effective. Remember, taking medication as prescribed is a key part of your overall health, and with the right strategies, it can become a seamless part of your life.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health concerns.
