If you have heart disease, you know it’s important to take your heart-related medications exactly as prescribed. But what exactly does that mean? Here are several tips from Compassionate Care Home Health Services, Inc. that can help you with managing medications for your heart.
- Know what medications you are taking. Find out their generic and brand names and be sure you fully understand the purpose, as well as the side effects, of each. Go over the patient informational sheet to be informed about potential side effects.
- Be sure to take your medicine at the same time each day. When you partner with Compassionate Care, your home care companion can remind you when it’s time to take your dose. Don’t stop or change any medicine without talking it over with the doctor first.
- List out all of your medications, including the daily dose of each. Maintain a copy at home as well as a copy in your purse or wallet.
- If you’re having difficulty covering the cost for your medications, ask your physician for recommendations. Don’t cut corners on doses to try to save money as doing so could harm your health.
- Talk with your doctor before taking OTC (over-the-counter) drugs or herbal remedies as some may aggravate heart failure symptoms. These include antihistamines (such as Benadryl), antacids and NSAIDS (such as Motrin or Advil).
- Refill your medications prior to running out of medicine. If you struggle with getting to the pharmacy, arrange a home care companion to assist with picking up the medication on a regular schedule.
- Take your medicines with you whenever you travel and continue to take them on your normal routine. If traveling by airplane, avoid packing your medications in your checked luggage. If you’ll be away from home for a long time, take an extra week’s supply. Also bring a copy of your prescriptions with you in the event that you need a refill.
- At times, ACE inhibitors may make you cough. If you are coughing excessively and cannot sleep or participate in your daily activities, call your physician.
- If you take diuretics (also referred to as water pills), you will most likely have to visit the bathroom more frequently. If you’re advised to take one dose of a diuretic each day, take it in the morning. If you take two doses, be sure to take the second one by late afternoon to avoid additional trips to the bathroom during the night.
- Be alert for symptoms of dehydration when taking diuretics. These might include extreme thirst, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, decreased urine output, constipation and lightheadedness. If any of these warning signs occur, seek advice from your doctor prior to making any adjustments to medication or fluid intake.
Professional caregivers from Compassionate Care can make the process of managing medications for your heart much easier. Besides providing medication reminders, we can also provide support with daily activities, prepare nutritious meals and take you to medical appointments or the pharmacy. Contact us at 877.308.1212 to learn more about our customized in-home care in Traverse City and surrounding Michigan communities. Schedule a free assessment and see our full service area today.