Eight smart ways to stay on top of your medications

Managing multiple medications is a daily reality for many older adults — more than 66% take three or more prescriptions each month, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Between refills, side effects, and coordinating with your care team, it's a lot to keep track of, especially when there's no single tool that does it all for you.

“There are lots of resources available on the internet to help you organize,” says Gail Gibson Hunt, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. But remember: “You have to do what works for you. If you’re good with making a written list every day, then that’s fine.”

Here are eight smart ways to stay on top of your medications.

Choose a convenient pharmacy

“Usually it’s good to have all of your prescriptions filled in one place,” says Hunt. This can help you avoid dangerous drug interactions. It also allows you to get to know your pharmacist, who can answer questions about your medicines and conditions. Most providers now send prescriptions electronically straight to the pharmacy, so there's no paper script to lose or drop off yourself. 

Many pharmacies offer home delivery, and it's often included as a benefit through your health plan — so your medications can show up at your door instead of waiting on a trip to pick them up.  

Nearly one-quarter of all prescriptions are never filled — sticking with one pharmacy and using these tools can help make sure yours don't fall through the cracks.

Consider extended day prescription fills

If you're making monthly trips to the pharmacy, there's a simpler way. Ask your provider about switching to an extended day supply instead of refilling every 30 days. Fewer errands, fewer chances of running out mid-month, and one less thing competing for your attention. 

Use the patient portal

If your provider or hospital offers access to a patient site, put it to use for your medications! Many people with chronic conditions say that emailing their providers through the site helped them better manage their care and led to better results.. 

Use the site to ask questions about your prescriptions between visits, request refills, and check on drug interactions or side effects. With online tools, you see your full medication list in one place, so you're never guessing what you're taking or when it's time for a refill.

Have a routine

Research shows that up to half of Americans don’t take their medications as prescribed. Use a cell phone app (or alarm clock) to set reminders throughout the day that will help you remember to take your medications.

Apps like Medisafe and MyTherapy can help you stay on top of your medications. Both offer free medication reminders and let you track your doses. Medisafe was recognized by the caregiver site Caring.com as one of the top caregiving apps. It can also remind you how to take your medication (for example, with food), provide information about your medications and conditions, and help you find coupons and special offers. MyTherapy combines medication reminders with health tracking, making it easy to keep all your health information in one place.

Associate your medications with daily activities

For example, link a routine action (like eating dinner or brushing your teeth) with taking your medications. Or keep your meds next to your coffeemaker to remind yourself to take them while your coffee is brewing.

Talk to your pharmacist

They can be a valuable resource when it comes to staying on top of your medications. Your pharmacist can offer advice, help you sync your medications, or even refer you to pill-pack services—and all without an appointment.

Make sure your provider and pharmacy have your most up-to date medication list

It is important to keep them updated on any medication changes that may occur, especially after leaving the hospital.

Ask for help

If you are struggling to take your medications as directed, ask a family member, friend, or loved one for assistance. You can task them with giving you a call daily to remind you (which also gives you both a chance to chat and catch up), or they can help you set up one (or a couple) of the other tips mentioned above.