Taking your medicine correctly

Tips to help you take your medications

It is helpful to try and form good habits when taking your medicine. Taking the right dose at the right time will mean the medicine has the best chance of improving your health.

Taking your medicine as prescribed

You may find it difficult initially to get into the habit of taking your medicine, so the following tips may help you:

• Set an alarm on your phone/alarm clock to remind you to take your medicine
• Keep your medicine in the original container, or if necessary in a special container – such as a “dosette box” – to help you remember which medicine to take and when to take it (these are available from your local pharmacy)
• Ask your pharmacist to see if they offer blister packaging services. They will put your medication in special packs to make it easier for you to take
• If you have trouble opening your pill bottles, tell your pharmacist. They have easy to open lids that make it easy to get to the pills in the bottle
• Consider asking your pharmacist for a medication review. During these medication reviews the pharmacists will tell you why you are taking each of your medications, look for potential problems and give you with a complete list of all the medications you take

Possible risks & side effects

If you’re worried about side effects, or think you may be having a side effect from your medicine, then you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They will offer you advice and support.

You should also let the manufacturer of your medicine know. All pharmaceutical companies, such as Teva, monitor side effects from their medications. If you or someone you know is having a side effect caused by a Teva medicine, contact Teva Canada’s pharmacovigilance department immediately:

Phone: 1-800-268-4127, option 3
Email: PhV@tevacanada.com

Cost

If you are worried about the cost of taking your medicine, speak to your pharmacist about the options available to you. Many times there are alternatives that work just as well but at a lower cost.

Where to go for advice

Doctor/Nurse Practitioner – the doctor or nurse practitioner that has prescribed your medicine can help to answer many of your questions about your health and medication.

Pharmacist – Your pharmacist can offer you advice on your health and are specially trained to answer your questions about your medication.

Information sheet – When your pharmacist gives you a new medication, he/she will review the medication with you and give you an information sheet. This information sheet provides you with a large amount of information about the medication. If you have any questions it is important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

*Teva is not a healthcare provider, and the information contained on this website cannot replace a doctor’s advice or treatment. You should always consult a health professional for advice about treatment or other medical advice for yourself or your loved ones.