Helpful advice for managing your medications

With all those meds, you could probably use some tips on how to manage them safely and effectively. Here is some of the best advice for doing just that.

The numbers may surprise you, but Canadians take a lot of pills. According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey, approximately 11 per cent of Canadians between 45 to 64 years old and 30 per cent of seniors aged 65 to 79 took at least five prescription medications together.

Prescription medications accounted for almost 14 per cent ($29 billion) of Canada's annual health care spending in 2013.

• Pharmacists are more than just prescription fillers. They are specially trained in understanding possible medicine interactions, including interactions with herbal supplements.
• When you consolidate all your prescriptions at one pharmacy, your pharmacist can look out for those very things.
• Your pharmacist also can provide advice on the most effective and best value in over-the-counter and generic drugs.

• Have everything in one place rather than scattered around your house, car, bag or briefcase.
• Choose a space that is dark, at room temperature (unless a medication needs to be refrigerated) and is accessible to adults, but not children.
• Check each container's expiration date, and if any has expired, take them to your pharmacy for advice on disposal. Never save antibiotics for the next infection.

Try to take your pills at the same time and place every day, and find a trigger to remind you. Some pointers:

• Buy a pill box or other medication container and at the beginning of the week, fill it for the coming week. Leave the box in a spot where you normally take your pills.
• Make taking your meds part of your morning ritual, such as brushing your teeth or drinking your first glass of water or juice.
• Set the alarm on your watch, computer or smartphone to beep when it's time to take a pill. Then, no matter where you are, or how busy you are, you'll get a reminder. Check for smartphone apps that can help keep track of taking your meds.

• Working different shifts can create timing problems when taking your medication.
• Try to take it when you would normally have a shift change so the timing is similar, whether you're going to bed or at work.

If you're taking liquid meds, store accurate measuring spoons with your medicine. A kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon may not be precise enough for correct dosage.

Finally, here are some obvious things that bear repeating:

• Disclose factors that can affect your medications to your doctor and pharmacist: your allergies, you are pregnant, you have high or low blood pressure, you are prone to nausea, you are on a diet.
• When you pick up your prescription, check to verify that the medication you received is the correct one, at the right dosage and the correct quantity.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medicine or supplement should be taken with or without meals.
• Take only the amount of medication prescribed or listed on the label.
• Get your prescriptions made during slow times at the pharmacy to reduce the chance of mix-ups.
• Before taking a supplement, ask your pharmacist if there are potential interactions with prescription or over-the-counter drugs you're taking.
• Don't use or share medication prescribed for someone else.
• Don't take your medicine in the dark — or without wearing your glasses or contacts.
• Keep your medicines in the original packaging with full instructions. Same goes for over-the-counter and herbal products.