Heart Failure

Managing Your Medications

Heart Failure is a serious syndrome. By being informed about your medicines, you can take an active part in your treatment. The following are helpful hints about your medicines:

Know the names of your medicines.
Know what your medicines are used for.
Know the dosage of each medicine and how often you should take it.
Take your medicines exactly as they are ordered.
Take your medicine with another daily activity you do at the same time of day, such as brushing your teeth.
Know what to do if you miss a dose.
If you are having problems following the medicine schedule, or if you think you are having side effects, be sure to tell your doctor or nurse.
Never take someone else's medicine.
Never change or stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor.
Keep a list of your medicines at home and in your wallet.
Take your medicine bottles or a copy of you medicine list to physician visits.
Call the doctor's office if you are running low on medicine. Refills can be called in to your pharmacy. Don't wait until the last minute.
If you use mail order, be sure to order early so you do not run out of medicine.
Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if you are having problems paying for your medicines. They may be able to direct you to places where you can get help.
Don't take over the counter medicine without checking first with your doctor or nurse.
Notify your doctor or nurse of any changes that have been made with your medicines.

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Last Reviewed: Feb 11, 2009

Ileana L Piña, MD
Professor, VA Quality Scholar
Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University