Making Medication Compliance Easier

I feel like the only thing I do is take care of my body. I am constantly weighing the odds of every decision, theorizing risks of negative bodily impacts. 

Medication compliance is unpleasant. I take so many medications that it could be considered a passivity. I hate it, but the reality is that these medications keep me happy and healthy. So, down the hatch they go. 

Taking medication as prescribed can be a struggle for some. Maybe you have memory problems or need to leave your house in a rush. Regardless, there are many ways to stay on top of taking your meds. 

You may need to take certain medications at a specific time of day. Think about where you’ll most likely be during that time. Maybe it’s your office, in the bathroom brushing your teeth, or when you’re eating. Create a space in that area for your medication. Correlating a time of day and a location with your meds makes for the ultimate reminder. Also, you can take the millennial route and set a phone alarm. 

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Carrying medications on the go can get complicated. Small pill organizers are great for those who need only a few pills. But what about folks like me who need to bring more than just a couple medications, plus emergency meds like anti-nausea pills? I prioritize carrying my pills, tablets, and supplements in a way that’s stylish and cute. I went on the hunt for a coin purse that wouldn’t split at the seams from my overabundance of meds. Now I have everything I need in my Betsey Johnson coin purse that I bought preowned. 

Pill cutters and organizers are like people. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Tall, short, thin, wide. The possibilities are endless. Places like Amazon, Container Store, and Target are great places to discover and buy neat ways to keep your mini-pharmacy tidy. At mealtime, use small condiment dishes or shot glasses to prevent your meds from swimming in your food. You can even add a little pop culture with some Marvel or Jack Skellington shot glasses. 

Life with a chronic illness or disability doesn’t come without difficulties, but there are techniques to make it easier. 

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Note: Muscular Dystrophy News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.