Taking your heart medicines

Medicines are an important part of your ongoing care

Your doctor may have prescribed several new medicines after your heart event or heart disease diagnosis.

It's important to know what medicines you're taking, what they do and how they might affect you.

Medicines often come with a consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet, which gives you important facts about the medicine. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy.

You can also call the free Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 for more information.

Cardiologist A/Prof Sarah Zaman, from Westmead Hospital in Sydney, explains why understanding your medicines and taking them as prescribed by your doctor will help you to live well with heart disease.

Keep taking your medicines

To help with your recovery and your overall heart health, it is important to keep taking your medicines.

Even if you're feeling better, do not stop any medicines or change how much you're taking without talking to your doctor.

This is because medicines can help you to:

• reduce your risk of another heart event, even if you don’t feel them working
• manage your symptoms
• keep doing the things you enjoy.

Take your medicines as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t crush or break tablets, or open capsules, unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you to.

Keep a list of your medicines

Always carry a list of your medicines with you. This list should include:

• the name of the active ingredient and the brand name
• the strength or dose
• when and how to take the medicine
• the type of medicine (prescription or over-the-counter)
• what it is for.

Take the list to all your medical appointments.

Download and fill in a copy of My medicines list to keep with you.

Remember to take your medicines

Follow the handy tips below to help you create a routine for taking your medicines.

Daily alarm Take your medicine at the same time as a daily task (like brushing your teeth).
Same time, every day Link your medicine to a routine, like brushing your teeth.
Keep them visible Keep medicines in a safe place that’s easy to spot (dining table, nightstand, kitchen counter).
Pill organisers Use pill organisers to remind you to take medicines each day and prevent missed or double doses.
Reminder app Try a medicine reminder app like MedicineWise.
Track it Tick off a wall calendar or medicine tracker to keep track each day. Download: My medicines tracker. Keep a copy on your desk or fridge.
Sticky note Put a reminder note somewhere you’ll see it (fridge door or bathroom mirror).
Ask for help Ask a family member or carer to help remind you to take your medicines.