A Pharmacy Student’s Tips | Your Loved Ones Taking Blood Pressure Medications

A whopping 68 million Americans have high blood pressure *. With so many people being prescribed medications to help lower their blood pressure, chances are you have family members who are too. Because patients don't always 'feel' the effects of their blood pressure medications working, it becomes important for them to remember to take their medications regularly. This is especially true during the holiday season when so many people are on the go. Here are four simple tips you can share with your family to help them take their medication correctly and help keep them safe.

1. Always try to have your loved ones keep a list of the medications they are currently taking nearby. This will help any doctor who wants to look over their medications to make sure they are being treated effectively and safely.

2. If your loved one is on many different medications, as is common with those being treated for high blood pressure, they can buy a pillbox that is marked with the days of the week. This helps patients to get more organized and help develop a routine for taking their heart medications.

3. They should try to fill their medications early to avoid running out. They can ask their local pharmacist how many refills a medication has left, and when it will be ready to fill again.

4. When traveling, your loved one should take the medications they need with them so they can continue to take them. For longer vacations, they can take an extra weeks supply if possible. They should always have their regular pharmacies number in case they need a prescription transferred to a nearby pharmacy while on vacation.

Remember, these tips are not just for blood pressure medications and can be used for anyone taking long-term drug therapy.

If learning about blood pressure medications makes your heart skip a beat hen maybe a career as a Cardiographic Technician is right for you!

*Reference: CDC. Vital signs: prevalence, treatment, and control of hypertension--United States, 1999-2002 and 2005-2008. MMWR. 2011;60(4):103-8.

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