Your CHF medications cheat sheet
Managing all the pills you take for congestive heart failure can be a lot. Check out these simple strategies for keeping up with your prescriptions.
Taking your medications as prescribed is called "medication adherence," and it's an important part of your congestive heart failure (CHF) treatment plan. Medicine can help control your symptoms while helping your heart work a little easier — but only if you take the right dose at the right time every day, don’t skip pills, and refill your prescriptions.
However, too many people don’t stick to their pill schedule. In fact, half of all patients in the United States stop taking their medications altogether within a year of them being prescribed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s too bad. After all, research shows that taking medications properly leads to fewer complications and better overall health. That’s a big deal for the 129 million Americans who have chronic conditions. Juggling multiple medications can be overwhelming, but there’s no need to stress. These handy tips can help you keep track of your CHF medications and dosages.
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1. Make friends with your pharmacist
You may see different doctors for different conditions. But it’s always a good idea to stick with a single pharmacist. That way, they’ll know exactly what you take and when you need refills.
Your pharmacist can go over your complete list of prescription medications and help you come up with a schedule that’s easy to follow. They may be able to send you text reminders. And they can check for interactions with any other medications you may be taking.
2. Get a pill organizer
While you’re at the pharmacy, pick up a plastic organizer with separate boxes divided by days of the week — or even by morning and night. It helps to pick a specific day (such as every Sunday) to fill it. That way, you can see whether you’ve missed any doses along the way.
Medications your way
3. Set an alarm
Chances are, your smartphone is always at your side, so use it. You can set an alarm to remind you when it’s time to take your medications. Or download a smartphone app to help you remember your pills.
4. Go old-school
Grab a calendar and jot down your medications — and the time you need to take them — each day. Then check them off. And don’t forget to mark the date when your prescriptions need to be refilled. Other options: Keep a notebook or use a whiteboard to track your medications.
5. Ask for pill packets
Your pharmacist can provide your medications in individual pill packets labeled with the date and time you need to take them, so there’s no confusion on your end.
6. Connect your medications to your daily activities
Do you brew a pot of coffee every morning to start your day? Do you brush your teeth each night before bed? Try setting out your medications next to your coffeepot or beside your toothbrush. Find something you do at the same time every single day and use that as a reminder to help you form a habit.
7. Ask for help
Let a friend or family member know if you’re struggling to remember to take all your pills. And ask for a helping hand. They may be able to give you a quick call in the middle of the day or shoot you a text in the evening. It’s a great way to keep in touch with the people you love — and to remember to take your pills.
