Medication Reminder Tips

Having access to medications when you need them is critical when it comes to managing your health. But here’s something that may surprise you: Nearly three out of four Americans admit that they do not always take their medication as prescribed, and about 50 percent of patients stop taking medication before the medication is finished.

Up to 69 percent of all medication-related hospital admissions in the United States¹
Almost $300 billion in avoidable medical costs²
125,000 deaths each year²

Why don’t we take our medications? It can be a combination of reasons. Sometimes we forget or we think the medication is not working. At other times, the cost can be too high, or we have a fear of the side effects.

For people who have to take multiple maintenance medications every day at different times, it’s easy to see how a dose can be missed or forgotten. But the same can also be said about people who take medication for the short term — it’s outside of their normal routine and can slip their minds.

[h2a]Here are 5 easy ways to help you remember to take your medication:[/h2a]

Use a pill box organizer. This tried-and-true method for taking your medicine works especially well if it is a monthly pill box with enough compartments for each day of the week. Not only is it a great visual reminder, it also prevents you from accidentally taking double doses of your medication. There are even pill box organizers that are available with built-in alarms.
Invest in medication reminder technology. From pill bottle caps that glow to medication reminder apps with alarms that notify you or text the name and dose of your next medication, there are a growing number of high-tech medicine reminder solutions for techies and non-techies alike.
Make it part of your daily routine. Tie taking your medicine to a daily activity or routine like brushing your teeth or having your meals (a great option if your meds have to be taken with food).
Set a medication reminder alarm. Set the alarm on your phone or your alarm clock for the same time each day — you can even choose a distinct ring tone.
Keep it visible. Keep your medication in plain sight but out of the reach of children. A prescription bottle that’s kept in a cabinet or purse is just asking to be forgotten about.

Remember, your chances of improving your health outcomes are far greater when you take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Additional Prescription Resources:

What are your best tips or tricks for remembering to take your medication? Let us know in the comments below and we may add them as a follow up to these tips for remembering to take your medication.