Making your medication work for you

Problems that people might have with their medication

• Not sure when and how long to take it for
• Don’t know when the medicine should be reviewed
• What to do if you have side effects
• Cannot afford it
• Not remembering to take it
• What to do if you miss a dose
• The cost versus the perceived benefit

Get the most out of your medications

1. Be informed and have the correct information
2. Know the drug name of your medication – All medications will have a drug name and a brand name. Most medications have different brand names, for example, Glucophage & Diabex are both brand names of the same drug metformin
3. Know what your medications are for – e.g. High blood pressure, cholesterol.  If you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Add this information to your current medicines list.
4. Look at the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Sheet.
5. Carry a list of your current medications and doses

Download a Medication List from the National Prescribing Service, or get the new Medicines List iPhone app.

Tips and advice

Tell the doctor about all of the medication that you are taking. This also includes any medicines that are over the counter, vitamins, minerals and complementary therapies.

Tell your doctor if you experience side effects

Try and get all of your medications from the one pharmacy. The pharmacy will have a record of your current and past medications and will be alerted to possible interactions.

Take your medications as prescribed

• Take your medication at the recommended times. Know whether it needs to be taken before, with or after food. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not take more medication than you are prescribed.
• Be honest if you are not taking the dose of medication that the doctor has prescribed for you. Explain your reasons.
• Combined or slow release medications may be an alternative. Generic brands are usually cheaper but just as effective
• If you forget to take your insulin contact your doctor as soon as possible and ask them what to do
• If you have trouble remembering to take your medication try:
• Taking it at the same time each day – set an alarm on your mobile phone or clock
• Make a chart listing your medications, the date, times to take and tick off when medication has been taken
• Use a Dosette box. This can be arranged through your pharmacist.

Storage of medications

• Medication should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Storage instructions are usually displayed on the label
• Unopened insulin needs to be stored in the refrigerator between 2-8 degrees Celsius
• Replace insulin that  has been exposed to extreme temperatures ie. freezing or heat
• Keep medications in their original container or packet. Important information and instructions are on the label
• Return any medication that you no longer need or has expired to your pharmacy. They will dispose of it safely

How effective is your medication?

The medicines that are used to help manage type 2 diabetes should be reviewed by your doctor at least once a year. Often changes are needed if;

• You have lost weight
• You have gained weight
• You are unwell
• You are exercising more
• You are exercising less
• Your HbA1c level is above target

Treatment for other co-existing conditions may also result in the need for medication adjustment.

Regular checks used to help assess the effectiveness of your medication include:

• Blood glucose monitoring
• HbA1c
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Liver Function Test
• Kidney Function Test. This includes a urine and blood test

Home Medicines Review

A home medicines review is a service provided jointly by doctors and pharmacists. You might benefit from a home medicines review if:

• You take a number of medicines
• You have more than one medical condition
• You are having difficulty with your medicines
• You have recently been discharged from hospital

Your GP can make a referral for you to have a Home Medicines Review. An approved pharmacist will come to your home and review your medications. Download Home Medicines Review brochure.

Affording your Medication

The cost of medicines when you have a chronic condition can certainly add up.  Most medicines available on prescription in Australia are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). You pay for a proportion of the medication and the Commonwealth Government pays for the rest.

If the cost of the medicine is a problem for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is a more affordable option or what can be done to reduce your medications costs.

For further information:

• Speak to your doctor
• Speak to your pharmacist