Heart Failure: Taking Medicines Properly
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Introduction
Medicines do not cure heart failure. But they can make you feel better, help your heart work better, and help you live longer.
Key points
- Take a list of your medicines or bring your medicines with you when you visit your doctor. Include both medicines that were prescribed to you by other doctors and any nonprescription medicines and natural supplements that you take. Review the list with your doctor and discuss any side effects you are having or need to watch for.
- Make your medicine schedule as simple as possible. Plan times to take your medicines when you are doing other things, like eating a meal or getting ready for bed. This will make it easier for you to remember to take your medicines.
- Talk with your doctor if you are having problems with your medicine schedule. Your doctor may be able to change your medicines or the times you are taking them.
- Talk with your doctor if you have any changes in your health that might affect your heart condition, such as weight gain, side effects of medicines, or another medical condition.
- Use any tools, like daily or weekly "mediset" pill containers, that make taking your medicines simpler.
What do medicines do for heart failure?
Why is it important to take your medicines properly?
How can you take your medicines properly?
Where to go from here
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| Last updated: | August 25, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
| Editors: | Marianne Flagg, Terrina Vail |
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