I do not understand how to take the medicine.

Make an appointment to talk to your doctor. Write down any questions you have. Make sure you are clear about:

• The dose—How much medicine do you need to take at one time?
• The daily schedule—How many times during the day do you need to take the medicine?
• The duration—How long do you need to continue taking it?
• Steps to take if you miss a dose—Do you need to take the medicine as soon as possible or should you wait until the next day?
• Special instructions—For example, should you take the medicine with food?

Your pharmacist is another resource. Ask him about your medicine, possible drug interactions, and side effects.

I am afraid of the side effects.

Your doctor can explain which side effects are common and what you should do if you have any problems. For example, if the medicine causes you to feel excitable, you may need to call your doctor right away. Knowing the potential side effects and how to handle them can help ease your fears.

The medicine is too expensive.

Before you decide not to take the medicine because it is too costly, explore your options:

• Ask your doctor if she can prescribe a less expensive generic drug.
• If you have prescription drug coverage, find out which drugs are covered under your plan.
• Learn about patient assistance programs. If you are eligible, you may be able to get your medicine at a lower cost. You can find more information online or through your pharmacist.

I feel fine. Why do I need to keep taking the medicine?

Some conditions do not have symptoms that you notice. But that does not mean your health is fine! In other cases, the symptoms go away because of the medicine. So if you were to stop taking it, your symptoms would return.

If you are not sure how the medicine works in your body or why you are taking it, talk to your doctor. It is important to understand the purpose of the medicine and what could happen if the condition goes untreated.

It is hard to remember to take my medicine!

There are a number of strategies to try:

• If you take a lot of medicines, create a chart. List the names of the medicines, the dosages, and the time of day when you need to take them.
• Have a set routine, like taking your medicine when you make coffee in the morning.
• Use a pill organizer. This is a plastic container that has a section for each day of the week.
• Use technology! There are many “pill reminder” products, like talking alarm clocks, watches, and timers that have a section to hold pills.
• If you have to take a lot of medicines each day, talk to your doctor. She may be able to change your medicine regimen.

If you are facing challenges when it comes to taking your medicine, get help from your doctor and pharmacist! The steps that you take now to care for your chronic condition can have a huge impact on the rest of your life.