4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Medication
High cholesterol doesn't have symptoms, so medication won't make you feel any different physically. That can make it easy to forget your pills. (Related: 7 questions to ask about cholesterol.) Use these strategies to stay on top of your meds and ensure they work.
1. Make it easy to remember. Keep the pills in a prominent place, post reminder notes on your refrigerator or bedroom mirror, or set up a daily reminder on your smartphone. Also mark your calendar to remind you when it's time for a refill. If your pharmacy has a medication reminder program, enroll in it.
2. Keep a schedule. Some medicines may work better when taken with food, while others may work better if taken at bedtime. Miss a dose? Take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time to for your next dose, skip it and return to your regular schedule.
3. Ask before you take other medications. Don't take over-the-counter drugs or supplements without checking with your doctor first. Like prescription drugs, these may interact with your cholesterol drugs. (Related: What you should ask the doc about your cholesterol meds.)
4. Stick with the rest of your program. If you do take cholesterol medication, it's very important to continue with the other aspects of your cholesterol therapy, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. These steps can help the medicine work even better.
