If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, you know it is crucial to take your heart disease medications properly. But what exactly does that mean? Here are a few tips from Stay Home Care that will help you get the most from your medications and improve medication management:
- Know which meds you’re taking. Learn their generic and brand names and be sure you understand what each one does. Read the patient leaflet so you’re aware of potential side effects.
- Take your medications at the same time every day. When you work with Stay Home Care, your home care companion can prompt you when it’s time to take your dose. Don’t stop or alter any medicine without talking it over with the doctor first.
- Make a list of all of your medications. Include the daily dose of each one. Keep a copy at home as well as one in your wallet or purse.
- If you’re having difficulty covering the cost for your medications, ask your physician for guidance. Don’t skimp on doses to try to save money. Doing this could be harmful to your health.
- Speak with your doctor prior to taking any OTC drugs or herbal remedies. Some could exacerbate heart failure symptoms. These include antihistamines (such as Benadryl), antacids and NSAIDS (like Motrin or Advil).
- Refill your prescriptions before you run out of medicine. If you find it difficult to get to the pharmacy, a caregiver can help you pick up the medication.
- Take your medicines with you when you travel and continue to take them on your normal routine. If you will be away from home for an extended time, take an extra week’s supply. Be sure to bring a copy of your prescriptions with you in the event that you need a refill.
- Sometimes ACE inhibitors can cause coughing. If you are coughing too much and cannot sleep or take care of your daily activities, call the doctor.
- If you take diuretics (also referred to as water pills), you will most likely have to visit the restroom more often. If you’re told to take one dose of a diuretic daily, take it in the morning. If you need to take two doses, be sure to take the second one by late afternoon to avoid additional trips to the bathroom overnight.
- Watch for signs of dehydration whenever taking diuretics. These may include intense thirst, dry mouth, dark-colored urine or reduced urine output, constipation and dizziness. If any of these warning signs occur, consult your doctor before making any changes in medication or fluid intake.
Stay Home Care, one of the top home care agencies in Nashville, TN and the surrounding areas, can make life with heart disease easier to manage. We can provide support with day-to-day activities, prepare balanced meals, help with medication management by providing reminders to take meds at the right time, and take you to medical appointments and the pharmacy. Contact us online or call us at 615-964-7726 to learn more about our trusted home care services in Nashville and surrounding areas.