Let’s Talk About Prescriptions
| By Sheldon Riklon, M.D.
Managing your medications can be hard, especially if you take several for different health issues. Here are some tips to help you stay on track.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor or pharmacist can check your prescriptions and answer any questions about your medicines. They can also tell you if any over-the-counter medications or alcohol could cause problems with your prescriptions. Some medicines can make you sleepy, so ask if it’s safe to take them during the day. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to avoid reactions to new medications.
Understand your medication schedule.
Your doctor or pharmacist can help you plan when to take each medication. Some medications need to be taken with food, so they may suggest taking them in the morning or after dinner. A pill organizer can also help, especially if you take more than one medication.
Refill your medications on time.
Try to fill your prescriptions at the same pharmacy. Many pharmacies let you refill online or through an app, or you can call them. Using one pharmacy makes it easier for your pharmacist to track your medicines and prevent drug interactions.
Store and take your medications safely.
Keep your medicines in a cool, dry place, away from children. Some medications look like candy, so store them in a childproof place like a high cabinet or drawer. Only take medications prescribed to you. Taking someone else’s medications can cause harmful reactions. If you want to stop taking a medicine, always talk to your doctor first.
Dispose of prescriptions properly.
If your medication is expired or you no longer need it, it’s important to get rid of it safely. Do not flush them down the toilet. Instead, find a medication disposal location by visiting safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor about the Arkansas Take Back program, which safely disposes of expired or unused medicines. Visit artakeback.org to find a location near you.
Need help paying for your medication?
If you are having trouble affording your medications, talk to your pharmacist about lower-cost options like generic drugs or assistance programs.
Sticking to your medication routine helps you stay healthy and live a better life. By working with your doctor or pharmacist, you can feel confident about managing your health. Making small changes today can have a big impact on your well-being tomorrow. If you need help navigating your health care, community health workers are available to assist you. Visit communityhealth.uams.edu to learn more.
Sheldon Riklon, M.D., is an associate professor in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and a co-investigator with the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation.