There are plenty of things you can do to help take your medications more consistently, without spending a lot of time or money.
Pair your medications with something you already do consistently
Connecting your medication to an existing habit can make it easier to remember.
- Do you have a medication that needs to be taken on an empty stomach first thing every day? Leave it on your bedside table with a brightly colored bottle of water so it catches your eye.
- Need to remember your once-weekly injection? Try taking it in the evening on the last day of your work or school week when you get home.
- Other ideas include taking your medication after your daily exercise, when you brush your teeth, or with your most consistent meal of the day.
If you work nights or change shifts, finding a consistent routine may be especially important. Research has explored how shift work can affect eating patterns and the body's natural rhythms. Always follow your medication's specific timing instructions when choosing a routine.
Write yourself a note
Leave a reminder somewhere you go every day, like your bathroom mirror or kitchen counter.
Leave your medications where you can't miss them
Keeping your medications in a visible place can serve as a reminder to take them.
Safety note: This tip is only recommended for households without small children or pets who could get into your medications. Always follow any storage instructions that come with your medication.
Mark it on your calendar
Do you sometimes ask yourself, "Did I take my medication today? Or was that yesterday?"
Try marking each dose on your calendar. You can also create a medication schedule with checkboxes and keep it somewhere you'll see it, like your refrigerator.
Small investments, big benefits
If you have room in your budget for tools that can help you stay on top of your medications, these options may help.
Purchase and use a pill tray that matches your medication needs
Pill trays and organizers come in different sizes. You can find compact options for your bag or pocket, as well as larger organizers that can hold several medications or larger tablets.
They're sold at pharmacies, dollar stores, big-box stores, and online. These organizers can make it easier to keep track of your medications.
Before using one, make sure none of your medications need to stay in their original container.
Set an alarm or reminder
If you already have a smartphone or alarm clock, this option won't cost you anything.
You can also find apps for smart devices that track medication doses and remind you when it's time to take them. Some apps are free, while others are paid.
Other tools you may want to consider include:
- Medication caps with counters
- Medication dispensers that hold up to 28 days of medication
Additional tips
A little planning can help you stay on top of refills and avoid running out of important medications.
- See if your pharmacy offers an automatic refill feature you can activate.
- Set a reminder in your calendar to refill your medication.
- If getting to your pharmacy is inconvenient, ask if they offer delivery or shipping.
- Make sure notifications are turned on in your 9amHealth app so you know as soon as your refill survey is available.
- If you need a new prescription to refill your medication, reach out to your doctor at least two weeks before you run out.
Don't stop taking a medication without talking to a healthcare professional first. If you're having side effects or feel like your medication isn't working, talk with your healthcare professional before making a change. Some medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. And sometimes, there may be a simple solution that can help with side effects.
How to deal with changing schedules
Work, sleep, and meal schedules don't look the same for everyone. This can be especially true for people who work nights or rotating shifts.
Research has found that the timing of food intake can play an important role in the body's daily rhythms. Researchers have also studied time-restricted eating in 24-hour shift workers and the broader relationship between eating patterns, circadian rhythms, and health.
These studies are about eating patterns and circadian rhythms, not medication adherence. They don't tell you when to take your medication. Always follow your medication's instructions and talk with a healthcare professional if you're unsure how to fit a medication into a changing work, sleep, or meal schedule.
Keep your provider up to date
Whether you rarely miss a dose or find yourself missing medications more often, keep your healthcare provider informed.
They need to know what's really happening with your medications at home so they can help you make the best decisions about your care moving forward. Don't assume they already know or that the details aren't important.
Your healthcare provider uses the information you share to make clinical decisions about your care. If that information isn't accurate, they may not have what they need to make the safest decisions about your treatment.
Be open about what's working and what's getting in the way. Your healthcare provider can use that information to help you find a plan that works better for you.
