Managing medicines when rural or remote

Top tips for when you have to go the distance to access your medicines.

Taking your medicines as prescribed is an important part of looking after your heart. If you need to travel a long distance to access health services or fill scripts, there are some tips you can follow to assist with this:

• Make a list of the closest health services where you can ask questions and get your medicines. This could be your GP, community pharmacist, hospital or community health centre.
• Make a list of questions you might want to ask about your medicines. This could include:
• how and when you should take them
• what to do if there are any side effects
• what to do if you miss a dose.

• Refill your scripts early and make sure you have enough supply to last until your next appointment.

• Consider using telehealth to discuss your medicines, get a new prescription or request a medicines review. Telehealth appointments take place via video or telephone instead of face-to-face, so you can do this from home or any convenient location.

• If you are having problems staying on top of your medicines, your doctor or pharmacist can help you with this.

Download this useful resource with information to help you understand your medicines as well as tips to help you remember to take them.

Watch Darwin Cardiologist Dr Edwina Win-Lun as she talks about the important role of medicines in keeping your heart healthy and provides tips to help you remember how to take them as prescribed.