Managing multiple medications can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been taking medications for years, these practical tips can help you stay on track.
1. Take Your Medications at the Same Time Every Day
Consistency is key. When you take medications at the same time each day, it becomes a habit rather than something you have to remember.
Tip: Link your medications to existing habits. Take your morning pills right after brushing your teeth. Take evening medications with dinner.
2. Use a Medication Reminder App
Your phone is always with you — use it! A good reminder app sends notifications at the right times and lets you log doses with a single tap.
When choosing an app, look for a simple, easy-to-use interface, reliable notifications, support for both scheduled and as-needed medications, privacy (does it need your data?), and fair pricing (beware of expensive subscriptions).
3. Keep a Backup Reminder
Technology isn’t perfect. Keep a backup system: set a recurring alarm on your phone, ask a family member to check in, or use a traditional pill organiser as a visual cue.
4. Organise with a Pill Organiser
Weekly pill organisers let you see at a glance whether you’ve taken today’s medications. They’re especially helpful for complex regimens (multiple medications, multiple times per day), travel, and caregivers managing someone else’s medications.
5. Store Medications Where You’ll See Them
Out of sight, out of mind. Keep medications in a visible spot that’s part of your routine — kitchen counter (with breakfast), bathroom (with morning routine), or bedside table (for bedtime medications).
Important: Make sure medications are stored according to their instructions (some need refrigeration, some need to avoid moisture).
6. Understand Your Medications
Know what you’re taking and why. For each medication, understand what it’s for, when you should take it, whether to take it with food or on an empty stomach, and what the common side effects are.
Understanding the “why” can increase motivation to stay adherent.
7. Track Your As-Needed Medications Too
It’s easy to forget about medications you only take occasionally — painkillers, rescue inhalers, anti-nausea tablets. But tracking these gives your doctor a complete picture of your medication use and can reveal patterns you might not notice yourself.
8. Plan for Refills
Don’t wait until you’re out. Set a reminder when you have about a week’s supply left. This gives you time to contact your pharmacy, resolve any prescription issues, and wait for delivery if using mail-order.
9. Use a Single Pharmacy
Using one pharmacy for all your medications helps because pharmacists can check for drug interactions, it’s easier to manage refills, and you have a single pickup location.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Everyone misses doses sometimes. Don’t beat yourself up — just take your next dose as scheduled (unless your medication has specific instructions for missed doses).
Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Get Help Staying on Track
MedChime is a simple medication reminder app that helps you build better habits — for both scheduled and as-needed medications. Download free for Android and set up your first reminder in under a minute.