Multi-Organ Transplant

Transplant Pharmacy - Managing Your Medications

What can I do to remember to take my medications?

Transplant patients often have complicated medication regimens with many doses of different medications each day. Some patients may find it difficult to keep track of their medications and when they need to be taken. Below are some suggestions that may assist you in managing your medication regimen.

	Get into a routine of taking your medications at the same time each day.

	Set up a time once a week to sort out your medicines for the coming week. Using a special pill box with multiple compartments (also called a dosette, see photo below) can help to keep your medications organized. Ask a family member or caregiver to help you if you are having difficulty.


	There are many different sizes and styles of dosettes. Larger dosettes that have compartments for the 7 days of the week and 4 different dosing times each day (morning, noon, supper and bedtime) may be most useful.


	Some dosettes have removable compartments. These are convenient if you need to take just one day’s worth of medication with you (i.e. going to work, or going on a day trip).


	Instead of a dosette, some patients use small baggies labeled with days of the week and times of the day to sort their medications.


	Setting an alarm clock or wristwatch alarm to beep at times when your doses are due is a useful trigger to remember your medications.


	It is important never to skip any doses. Therefore, always keep track of how much medication you have on hand and be sure to order refills as soon as your supply runs low. It is always a good idea to keep at least one week’s worth of medication on hand at all times.



	Mark your calendar with the date that your next medication refill is due so that you remember to order them on time.

	A medication list will be given to you by your transplant pharmacist when you are discharged from the hospital after your transplant. This list will outline all of your medications, their purpose, the times you are to take them, and any other special instructions. If there are changes to your medication regimen, you can create your own medication list using the template found in the Patient Toolbox section of this website.

A dosette can help you keep your medications organized

Click here to view a larger version of this image

[back to top]
[back to Transplant Pharmacy homepage]