Many medications that help prevent or treat heart disease date back to ancient times, including aspirin and Digitalis. The blood thinner warfarin was first used for sick cattle in Canada. And a common cholesterol-lowering drug called lovastatin occurs naturally in oyster mushrooms, as a Japanese scientist discovered in 1970.
Today scientists continue to develop safer, more effective medications for people with heart disease. These drugs can save your life and taking them safely is essential. We talked to Katy Miller, a Pharmacist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, about why people need to understand their medications and how to avoid common mistakes.
Accuracy Matters
“Do you have any questions for the pharmacist today?” We’ve all heard this question when checking out at the pharmacy—even when picking up a medication we’ve been using for years.
“Your pharmacist and doctor want to make sure you understand what you’re taking and how to take it,” Miller says. “One reason is safety—if you are not taking a medication as directed, it can make you dizzy, sick or worse. The other reason is effectiveness. The medicine may not work well if you don’t take it as prescribed.”
Adding Herbs and Supplements
While research has shown that some herbs and supplements can reduce heart health risk factors, Miller says it’s good to be cautious.
“Sometimes patients resist taking medication and feel that an herbal product is more natural and potentially safer,” she says. “This may or may not be the case because herbal products may cause side effects, and they definitely can interact with other medicines. Before taking any supplement or herbal product, discuss it with your doctor. And choose products that are manufactured by reputable, well-established companies.”
Feeling Good? Don’t Quit Cold Turkey.
Let’s say you’ve been taking a drug to lower high blood pressure for six months. You feel much better than you did before. Can you stop taking it?
No. Or, at least, not yet. “I always advise my patients to talk with their physician before stopping a medication,” Miller says. “Sometimes you’re feeling better primarily because you’re taking the medication. So, if you stop taking it, your condition may return or worsen.”
Set Yourself Up for Success
Miller recommends several tips to help you take your medications as directed and never miss a dose.
- Take your medicines at the same time every day. Set alarms or reminders on your cell phone so you don’t forget.
- Set up automatic refills with your pharmacy so you never find yourself with an empty bottle.
- If you are away from home often during the day, be sure to carry enough of your medication to stay on schedule.
- Use pill dispensers that you can fill at the beginning to each week to help you stay on track. Some outpatient pharmacies will even pre-fill “blister packs” of medication for you.
- Register on St. Elizabeth MyChart if you haven’t already. It’s a great way to communicate with your doctor’s office when you have medication questions.
Taking medications is a serious matter, so don’t just wing it. Set yourself up for success with a system that works for you. And don’t go it alone. Remember, your care team and local pharmacy are great resources and available to help you enjoy the best heart health possible.
