6 ways to take medications safely

Reminders to help you play it safe with your prescriptions.

As you get older, you may find that you take several prescriptions each day. When the number of medications you take increases, so does your risk of being harmed from taking too much of a drug, missing a dose or mixing medicines that shouldn’t go together.

Here are six reminders to help you play it safe with your prescriptions:

1

Keep medications visible.

Store prescriptions in a place where you can easily see them. Don’t keep them in a crowded drawer or cabinet. Make sure you can recognize your medication by its shape, color, size and name.

2

Use a pillbox.

Use a daily pill organizer that separates pills based on when you take them. This will ensure you always take the correct medications at the right time.

3

Use a calendar or phone reminder.

Write down your medication schedule in a calendar or journal, and then check off each dose as you take it. You can also set a reminder on your phone. Create a routine that works for you. For example, take your meds when you eat breakfast or get ready for bed.

4

Refill prescriptions before they run out.

Consider signing up to receive your medications by mail to ensure you always have the prescriptions you need. You may also be eligible to change from a 90-day to a 100-day supply, which means only 3 refills a year.

Learn how to change to a 100-day supply.

5

Review medications with your doctor.

At every doctor’s appointment, review all the medications, supplements and over-the-counter medicines you take. Be honest and never leave anything out.

6

Only take medication prescribed to you.

Never take someone else’s medication even if they use it for a similar condition.


As a Sharp Direct Advantage® member, you may qualify for our Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Program that helps you get the most out of your medications by reducing drug-related risks, supporting good lifestyle habits and more.

Learn more about the MTM Program here.

Tips for managing high blood pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, makes it so your heart needs to work harder to pump blood through your body. Being organized with your medication plan and openly communicating with your care team are critical for effectively controlling your blood pressure.

These tips can help:

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Know your numbers and get checked regularly

  • Check your blood pressure often and keep track of your readings.
  • A healthy blood pressure is usually below 120/80 mmHg. If your numbers are higher, talk to your doctor about how to lower them.
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Follow your treatment plan

  • Go to all your medical appointments, even if you feel fine.
  • Ask your doctor about lifestyle changes that can help you manage your blood pressure.
  • Always take your medications exactly as prescribed, even if your blood pressure is okay.
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Keep your care team informed

  • Tell your doctors about any medicines you take, including prescriptions from other providers and over-the-counter drugs. Some drugs and supplements can interact with your blood pressure medications.
  • Let your doctor know if a medicine makes you feel strange or sick. They may change the dosage or prescribe another type of medication.

Fuente: American Heart Association, NIH

Sharp Health Plan ofrece Sharp Direct Advantage. Sharp Health Plan es una HMO con un contrato de Medicare. La afiliación a Sharp Health Plan depende de la renovación del contrato. Lea el descargo de responsabilidad completo.

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Última actualización de la página: 30/4/2025
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