Module 4 Pull Down Navigation - Select a Page to View ------------------- Introduction Taking Charge of Heart Failure Following Your Treatment Plan Barriers to Following Your Treatment Plan Overcoming Barriers to Treatment Tips for Taking All of Your Medicines as Prescribed Tips for Exercising Regularly Tips for Following Your Diet Other Tips for Following Your Treatment Plan Managing Your Symptoms Urgent Symptoms: When to Call Your Doctor of Nurse Early Symptoms of Heart Failure Tracking Your Symptoms Monitor Your Weight and Body Swelling Daily Download a Weight Chart in PDF Format Treat Weight Gain and Swelling Right Away Prevent Fatigue From Interfering with Your Life Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Nurse Other Questions and Answers About Self-Care Learn More About Heart Failure

Tips for Taking All of Your Medicine as Prescribed

• Use a pillbox marked with each day of the week and the times of day you take your medicines. Fill the pillbox at the beginning of each week. Put it in a convenient place. For example, you can place it on the table where you eat or in another spot you go to every day. If you have trouble filling a pillbox, ask a family member to do it for you. Using a pillbox is one of the best ways to remember to take all of your pills every day.
  
  
• Put your medicine chart on the back of your medicine cabinet door. That way you can check it easily when you need a reminder.
  
  
• Take your medicines at the same time each day. But do not be afraid to change the routine if you have a problem. For example, if you take your diuretic (water pill) in the evening and then find that you have to get up all night to urinate, try taking your water pill earlier in the day.
  
  
• If you forget to take a dose of medicine, do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If another dose is not due for several hours or until the next day, then take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, just skip the missed dose and get back on your regular medicine schedule.
  
  
• If you take medicines that require you to take doses throughout the day, ask your doctor or nurse if you can switch to a similar medicine that you only have to take once or twice a day.
  
  
• If you get dizzy after taking your medicines, talk to your doctor or nurse. He or she may need to adjust your medicines, or you may need to space them out during the day.
  
  
If you are having other side effects from a medicine that is bothering you, do not just stop taking the medicine. Talk to your doctor or nurse. He or she can assess your situation and may be able to change your medicine or adjust the dose. Sometimes, the side effects get better over time.


• If you are having trouble paying for your medicines, ask your doctor or nurse about how to get financial help for them. Many drug companies have programs that provide medicines free to low-income patients if a doctor or nurse fills out special forms.