How do I remember to take my pill?
Set alarms: Use alarms on your phone or other devices to remind you when it's time to take your pill. Set multiple alarms if necessary, especially if you need to take medication at different times throughout the day. Emme has a great system for managing reminders.
By Erynn Petersen
Remembering to take medication can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you remember to take your pill:
- Set alarms: Use alarms on your phone or other devices to remind you when it's time to take your pill. Set multiple alarms if necessary, especially if you need to take medication at different times throughout the day. Emme has a great system for managing reminders.
- Use pill organizers: Invest in a pill organizer or pillbox with compartments for each day of the week. Fill it in advance, so you can easily see if you've taken your medication for the day. The Emme Smart Case works great, but we find that other pill organizers can also work well too.
- Tie it to a routine: Associate taking your pill with an existing daily routine, such as brushing your teeth, having breakfast, or going to bed. This way, the habit becomes ingrained in your routine, making it easier to remember.
- Keep medication visible: Place your pill bottle or blister pack somewhere you will see it frequently, such as on your nightstand, bathroom counter, or kitchen table. Visual cues can serve as reminders.
- Utilize smartphone apps: There are numerous medication reminder apps available that can send you alerts and notifications when it's time to take your pill. Explore different apps to find one that suits your needs. Take a look at the Emme app for iOS phones.
- Involve a buddy: Ask a family member, friend, or roommate to remind you to take your pill, especially if you tend to forget. They can provide a gentle nudge or even help administer the medication if necessary.
- Make it a habit: Try to establish taking your pill as a daily habit. Consistently taking it around the same time each day can help reinforce the behavior and make it more automatic.
- Keep a medication journal: Maintain a simple journal or use a medication tracking app to record each time you take your pill. This visual record can help you track your progress and identify any patterns or missed doses.
- Use medication reminder services: Some pharmacies or healthcare providers offer medication reminder services via phone call, text message, or email. Sign up for these services if they are available to you.
- Inform your support network: Let trusted individuals in your life, such as family members or close friends, know about your medication schedule. They can check in with you and provide additional support and reminders when needed.
Remember, it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication dosage and timing. If you're consistently having trouble remembering to take your pill, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider, who may be able to suggest alternative strategies or modifications to your medication routine. And, of course — there's Emme! Admittedly we have a bias, but this is our favorite way to keep track of your pill.