How To Stick To Your Cholesterol Medication

Taking Your Cholesterol Medication Could Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Reminding yourself to take your cholesterol medication can be difficult – whether this is your first time to take medications regularly or you are already taking multiple medications. High cholesterol has no symptoms, and what probably makes it more difficult to take your cholesterol meds is the fact that you may feel fine, regardless of whether or not you take your medication. The long term side effects of letting your high cholesterol go untreated are clear – high cholesterol could lead to heart disease. So, how can you remember to a drug that is so important? Here are some helpful tips:

• Take it at the same time everyday. For instance, you might want to take it at night before you go to bed or at breakfast. Placing the medication on the kitchen table or on your nightstand can help you to remember this.
• If you take other medications, try to take them all at the same time. This may not be possible with some of the other medications you are taking, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need to check for possible drug interactions.
• Use a pill organizer. You can purchase these relatively cheap at your pharmacy and they can help you to remember whether or not you have taken your cholesterol medication for that day. They can also help you to remember to take your other medications or vitamins.
• Need a reminder? Set an alarm on your watch or on your cell phone to remind you to take your cholesterol medication. Doing this will also help you to remember to take your medication at the same time everyday.

_Sources:

Dipiro JT, Talbert RL. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiological Approach, 6th ed 2005.