Sister to Sister

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Sometimes, lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control heart disease risk factors. That’s when doctor-prescribed medications — to treat high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or heart disease itself — can help.

If you’re on any of these medications, you’ll still want to practice heart-healthy habits. After all, that’s what helps to keep your medication dosages low. You’ll also find the following tips helpful.

Keep a list. Write down in one place all of the medications, over-the-counter drugs (including aspirin), vitamins, and supplements you take. (Our printable chart makes it easy.) Remember to add any new medications to your list. Include the following:

• the name of the medication
• the dosage – how much you take, when and how often
• the name of the doctor who prescribed your medication

Read labels. Before taking a medication, check the label to be sure you have all the right information about how to take it. Call your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions. Note warning labels that say “may cause drowsiness” or “take with meals.”

Know the side effects. Since many medications can cause side effects, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist what to look for and read the information that comes with your medication. If you think you may be experiencing side effects, call your doctor immediately.

Use a pill container. Most pharmacies sell containers that allow you to sort a week or even a month’s worth of pills by the day of the week.

Get into a routine. Taking your medication at the same time each day makes you less likely to forget and may also be important for your medication’s effectiveness. It can also help to place notes around the house (on the mirror in your bathroom or on the window at your kitchen sink) to remind you to take your pills.

Follow safety guidelines. Never share your prescription medications or take medication prescribed for others. Also, do not take expired medication. Finally, keep all medications out of children’s reach.

New prescription? Follow these guidelines

Before you leave the doctor’s office, ask...

• What is the name of the medicine you’re giving me and why am I taking it?
• How many times a day and how much medicine should I take?
• Does it matter if I don’t take the medicine at the same time each day?
• How long will it take to work?
• What should I do if I forget to take the medication one time?
• Can I continue to take my other prescription and over-the-counter medicines? How about vitamins or supplements?
• Are there any foods that might counteract the medicine’s effect?

Before you leave the pharmacy...

• Make sure your name is on the label and that you can clearly read the entire label. Ask for larger print on the label if you are having trouble reading it.
• Read the name of the medication and the directions on the bottle. Make sure they match your doctor’s instructions.
• Make sure you can open the bottle. Ask for an easy-open cap if you are having trouble. Be sure to keep all medicines out of children’s reach.
• Ask any questions you have about the medication or its side effects.

  Generic drug facts
  Generic drugs are safe, effective, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They have the same dosage, safety, quality, performance, and strength as the brand-name drug. The color or flavor of a generic medicine may be different from the brand-name drug, but the active ingredient is the same. They also usually cost less than the brand name drugs. 

Keeping Track of Your Medications

Use our handy chart to keep track of your medications. Be sure to include medications prescribed by your doctor, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins or supplements.

A word about daily aspirin
You’ve likely heard about the benefits of daily aspirin therapy to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke, especially for people over age 65. For some women, however, daily aspirin causes gastrointestinal bleeding. Before taking aspirin, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits based on your own health.