According to 2018 data from the CDC, nearly 50% of Americans used at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days. 24% of Americans used three or more prescription drugs in the same timeframe, while 12.6% Americans used five or more. Prescription drugs are a huge business in America, and there are millions of people nationwide who depend on those drugs—often more than one—to manage their health problems.
If you take multiple prescription medications, you know that it can be a challenge to take them all on time, especially if they must be staggered throughout the day or only taken after meals or on an empty stomach. Missing a dose, taking an extra dose, or taking a medication at the wrong time can result in everything from nausea and worsening symptoms to serious complications and even a life-threatening emergency.
Following these tips can help you manage multiple prescriptions better:
- Read all instructions and warning labels carefully—First, you need to determine how many times per day you should take your medication and how much of it you should take. You should also know if there are any restrictions concerning when to take it.
- Separate your medications into a weekly pill container—Containers with seven slots—one for each day of the week—can be helpful for ensuring you never forget a dose or double-up on a dose.
- Set timers for your medications—Set a timer on your alarm clock or phone to go off at the same time every day to take your medications. If you need to take medications at different times of day, set multiple timers for each.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we want to help reduce the number of drug injuries people experience nationwide. Unfortunately, drug companies don’t always play by the rules, and that can put innocent people at risk. If you or someone you love was harmed by a defective medication, our drug injury lawyers want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.