Remembering to take your cholesterol medication can be a bit difficult –- whether this is your first time to take medications regularly or you are already taking multiple medications. High cholesterol has no symptoms, and what probably makes it more difficult to take your cholesterol meds is the fact that you may feel fine, regardless of whether or not you take your medication. The long term side effects of letting your high cholesterol go untreated are clear -– and could lead to high cholesterol could lead to heart disease.
So, how can you remember to a drug that is so important? Try these helpful tips on ways you can remember to take your cholesterol-lowering drugs:
- Take it at the same time everyday. There is something to be said about consistency. If you take your medication at the same time of day, you are more likely to incorporate it into your daily routine -- and are more likely to remember to take it everyday. For instance, you might want to take it at night before you go to bed or at breakfast. Placing the medication on the kitchen table or on your nightstand can help you to remember this.
- If you take other medications, try to take them all at the same time. Depending upon which other medications you take, it may not be possible to take all of your medications at the same time. Therefore, you should be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need to check for any other medications that could interact with your cholesterol-lowering drug.
- Use a pill organizer. You can purchase these for a relatively cheap price at your pharmacy and they can help you to remember whether or not you have taken your cholesterol medication for that day. Pill organizers also come in handy in other situations, too -- they can also help you to remember to take your other medications or vitamins.
- Need a reminder? Is your schedule often varied, or are you prone to forgetting to take your cholesterol-lowering medication? If so, take advantage of the many apps and computer programs at your fingertips to help you to remember. Set an alarm on your watch or on your cell phone to remind you to take your cholesterol medication. Doing this will also help you to remember to take your medication at the same time everyday.
Sources:
Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.