Managing medications

Heart Failure drugs are used to ease the symptoms of congestive heart failure, and also to reduce the limitations imposed on your heart. Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for experiencing symptoms is a failure to take medication properly. Patients must follow their physician’s instructions exactly. Knowing why medications are used, how they should be taken and how they work will help you appreciate the importance of following the physician’s recommendations.

Remembering to take the medicine

·        Know the names and doses of what you are taking

·        Take medications at the same time each day

·        Take medications with meals, or in conjunction with other daily events (brushing you teeth, for example)

·        Ask family or friends to remind you

·        Put a sticker or reminder note on your refrigerator to remind you

·        Keep a “medicine calendar” near your medicine and note each time you take a dose

·        Use special pill boxes to help you keep track of your medications. these boxes can be found at most drugstores

Always check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications or herbal medications.