New Year - New Routines
Anti-seizure medications, rescue medications and non-epilepsy related medications can be overwhelming to manage. At the start of the new calendar year, it's a good time to put a Medication Management Plan in place!
Take your Medication as Prescribed
Take your medicine as prescribed - with input from your health care provider. Take your medicine regularly and according to your health care provider’s instructions. Set alarms on your phone, put up sticky notes, use an app -whatever works for YOU to remind yourself to take your medicine on-time.
Store Your Medicines Properly and Check the Expiration Dates
Proper storage is one way to help make sure your medicines remain safe and effective. Medicines that are not stored properly may not work as well or may cause harm, even if they are not expired.
Drug-Drug Interactions and Potential Side Effects
Remember your pharmacist is a medication expert who is always willing and able to answer any questions you have about medication adverse effects and any potential drug-drug interactions with medications that you might be taking.
Keep a Medication List
Write down what you’re taking and keep the list with you. Make sure your medication list is up-to-date, and includes any changes made by your health care provider. Keep it on your smart phone for easy access. Make sure your Seizure Action Plan includes your current Anti Seizure Medications as well as
your rescue medications. Bring your list with you to all of your doctors’ appointments.
Medication Synchronization
As your pharmacist if they have a Medication Synchronization Program
What is Medication Synchronization? A “Med sync” allows patients to pick up of all of your ongoing prescription refills at the pharmacy on a single, convenient day each month and work closely with the pharmacist on sticking to your medication regimen. In addition, the once a month appointment day facilitates increased pharmacist-patient dialogue and allows time for additional patient care services.
Note: Epilepsy Alliance America recommends that individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy, whenever possible, seek the services of a pediatric or adult epileptologist to help manage their epilepsy.
Learn more about Medication Cost Assistance Programs
Did you know that thousands of prescriptions are filled each year and ABANDONED at the pharmacy because of high co-pays?
Learn more about the Medication Cost Assistance Programs that may be available to you.
Don’t forget. Drug prices can vary by pharmacy. It pays to shop around.
Acknowledgements
The content for this page was created by Epilepsy Alliance America approved by its National Professional Advisory Committee members.
This production of this page was made possible through a gift from NEURELIS.
