Approximately three out of four Americans do not take their medication as prescribed, according to the American Heart Association. This can lead to a patient’s disease getting worse and even hospitalization.
When you have COPD, it’s especially important to take your medications as prescribed and continue to take them as long as your doctor tells you to. COPD medication can prevent you from experiencing shortness of breath, cough and mucus build up.
Managing your COPD Medications
Whether you use maintenance medications, rescue medications or a combination of the two, here are five ways to help you improve your medication management routine.
- Use a routine daily activity as a reminder to use your inhaler. For example, pick a time in the day such as the morning and associate brushing your teeth with taking your inhaler. This is especially convenient if you use an inhaler that has a steroid because you need to brush or rinse your mouth right after using the inhaler.
- Set up reminders (such as an alarm or adding it to your smartphone calendar) during specific times of the day to help you remember to take your medication.
- Put a note in your pill box (if you use one) that reminds you about your inhaler.
- Talk to your provider if you find that your COPD regimen is difficult or complicated to maintain.
- Ask any caregivers who manage your medications to accompany you on doctor’s visits or education sessions on inhaler techniques.
It is important that you feel comfortable with your provider to express concerns or ask questions about COPD and your medications. Remember to discuss with your healthcare team any new barriers that arise, such as cost issues, visual or hearing impairment, expectations or changing attitudes about your treatment. Address these barriers early on so they do not impact your health.