for Veterans and the Public
Tips for staying on your treatment plan
Before you start a treatment plan, you should:
- Get your doctor to write everything down for you: names of the drugs, what they look like, how to take them (with food or not), and how often to take them. This way, you'll have something to look at in case you forget what you're supposed to do.
- With your doctor's help, develop a plan that works for you.
Quick Tips: Adherence
- Get a pillbox and fill it at the beginning of each week.
- Take your medicine at the same time each day. (Use a watch with an alarm or get a beeper.)
- Get a medication "diary" or notebook. In it, you can write the names of your drugs, and then check off each dose as you take it. (See the "Resources" section for a sample diary.)
- Plan ahead for changes in your normal routine (for example, if you will be out all day, or if you're going on vacation).
- Make sure you always have enough medicine! Call your VA doctor or pharmacist if you are running low.
It is important that you tell your doctor right away about any problems you are having with your treatment plan. Keeping a medication diary can help you remember any problems you have.
See all Treatment Decisions
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