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Use your regular medicines at the same time every day. 

All medicines work better if used in the right way, and some don’t work at all unless used properly. Here are some tips to help you remember to use your medicines.

Keep a list of your medicines

The list should remind you about:

•  the name of the medicine
•  its strength
•  what it’s for
•  how much you use and how often
•  when you started using it
•  when you should stop using it or talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it.

You should keep the list in an obvious place – on the fridge, or on the cupboard door – and keep a copy in your purse or wallet. You should take it with you every time you see a doctor or pharmacist, even in hospital, to get it checked.

You can get a Medicines List on our website or ring Medicines Line on 1300 888 673 and ask the pharmacist to send you one. This list is a handy tool for you to complete. It gives spaces for you to write down all the information about your medicines.

Get a routine

Try to remember to use your regular medicines at the same time every day. That might be when you have your breakfast, or after dinner. It might be when you feed the cat, or after your morning shower. Whatever you decide to do, it’s easier if you do it the same way each day.

Check for special instructions – some medicines need to be taken before or after food.

Keep your medicines together

Keep all your medicines in the same safe and suitable place, if possible. That way, if you remember one, it will be easier to remember them all.

Some people also have weekly medication organisers. These are boxes with separate compartments marked with days of the week where you can keep some tablets and capsules. This is a good idea if you use a lot of medicines. Talk to your pharmacist about it. Your pharmacist may be able to arrange special medicines organisers, such as Webster packs, to make things easier for you.

Use a reminder

The simplest reminder is to make taking your medicines part of your daily routine. Some people find it helpful to set reminders on their mobile  phones, use a watch alarm, or to ask friends or relatives to remind them.

What to do if you miss a dose

Every medicine is different. Ask your doctor or pharmacist, or look up a Consumer Medicine Information leaflet. To get one, ask your pharmacist or call Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 or download them from our website.

For more information

NPS and CHF are partners in the Community Quality Use of Medicines program.