Taking your medication

Use some of these tips (suggested by some of our young adult transplant patients) to help you remember when to take your medications.

Routine

Getting into a routine is one of the best ways to ensure you don't forget your meds.

• Base meds around meal times.
• Take them as soon as you wake.
• Leave them by things you use in the morning, for example a mirror or your toothbrush.
• Use a dosette box so you will be able to see if you have taken your dose.
• Link your med times with daily routines, such as brushing your teeth, watching a TV programme or breaks at school.

General tips

• Set multiple alarms or reminder notes on your mobile.
• Ask friends and family to help remind you.
• If you take meds at school take a week's supply with you every Monday.
• Arrange your meds once a week for the week ahead in a dosette box which you can get from Boots or other good pharmacies.
• Keep a diary/planner and tick off the dose once you have taken it.
• Look for pill/dosette boxes that have in-built alarms.
• Make a laminated reminder card and put it on the back of your front door to remind you to take your meds with you.
• If you are staying out late always take your meds with you and maybe take spares.
• Ask your friends if they mind you leaving spare meds at their house.
• If you are at the computer a lot set a task schedule to send a reminder.

Above all

• Know information about your medications – why you take them, what they are for
• Know and consider what the consequences will be for yourself if you forget medications
• Be independent whenever you can, there won’t always be people around who can help you