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Expert Recommendations for Managing Heart Disease Medications
If you're managing heart disease medications, you know it is crucial to take them just as prescribed. But what exactly does that mean? Here are some helpful recommendations from Complete Care at Home that can help you get the most from your meds:
- Be aware of which meds you’re taking. Find out their generic and brand names and be sure you understand what each one does. Go over the patient informational sheet so you’re informed about potential side effects.
- Be sure to take your medications at the same time every day. When you work with Complete Care at Home, your caregiver can help remind you when it’s time to take your dose. Don’t stop or change any medication without first talking to the doctor.
- List out all of your medications. Include the daily dosage of each one. Keep a copy at home and one in your purse or wallet.
- If you’re having difficulty covering the cost for your medications, ask your physician for advice. Don’t cut corners on dosages to try to save money. Doing this could be harmful to your health.
- Speak with your doctor prior to taking non-prescription drugs or herbal remedies. Some could aggravate heart failure symptoms. These include antihistamines (such as Benadryl), antacids and NSAIDS (such as Motrin or Advil).
- Refill your medications before you run out of medicine. If you find it difficult to get to the pharmacy, a caregiver can help you with picking up the medication.
- Take your medications with you whenever you travel and continue to take them according to your normal routine. If you will be away from home for a long 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.
- At times, ACE inhibitors can make you cough. If you’re coughing excessively and cannot sleep or take care of your daily activities, call your physician.
- If you take diuretics (also referred to as water pills), you’ll most likely have to go to the restroom more often. If you’re advised to take one dose of a diuretic every day, take it in the morning. If you take two doses, be sure to take the second one by late afternoon to prevent additional trips to the restroom during the night.
- Be alert for indications of dehydration when taking diuretics. These include intense thirst, dry mouth, dark-colored urine or lower urine output, constipation and lightheadedness. If any of these symptoms occur, seek advice from your doctor prior to making any adjustments to medication or fluid intake.
