Medication is an important part of the treatment plan for a heart
failure (HF) patient, who may need multiple medications. Multiple medications
because each one treats a different symptom or a contributing factor, and each comes
with its own set of instructions. It’s important that you work with your
healthcare team to understand the medications and when, how often and in what
dosage to take them.
Follow these tips to get a better understanding of heart
failure medications:
Learn about
the medications that have been prescribed- As there are different
types of HF medications to treat different symptoms or aspects of heart
failure, it’s essential to understand what they’re prescribed to treat and why they’re
being prescribed. It is critical for people with heart failure to take their
medications exactly as directed by their healthcare provider to optimize the
benefits. Correct use of these drugs can prolong life and improve the heart’s
function.
Bring your
concerns directly to your doctor or pharmacist- Doctors and
pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about the prescribed heart
failure medications, so don’t hesitate to ask. It’s just as important to
consult your doctor before you take any other medications, including
over-the-counter products, such as ibuprofen to avoid medicine interactions,
which may render your HF medicines ineffective and might increase the risk for
harmful side effects.
Check for side
effects- Side effects usually vary depending on the type of
medication. Dizziness is the most common side effect with HF medications. It
may last only a few seconds and should improve as you change positions slowly.
But if patients are having sustained dizziness that is persistent, they should
seek medical help.
Keep a
track of your medications- Keep a track of your medicines as HF medications need
to be taken as prescribed on a daily basis- some once, twice, or maybe three
times a day. Missing the dose or taking the wrong medication at the wrong time
can be detrimental. Even after improvement in health, these medications must be
continued. Most medicines will be continued for life. If you run out of a
medicine or there is no refill, do not stop taking it until your doctor asks
you to. Developing a system for tracking your medicines will help you remember what
you have already taken on any given day and what you still need to take, and help
you monitor the timeliness of your refills and alert you if anything out of the
ordinary raises a red flag.
Enlist help
of friends and family- Aside from medical therapy, managing heart failure
involves very significant lifestyle changes, including limiting salt and
managing fluid intake, weighing every day to check for any sudden weight gain.
So, caregivers should keep an eye on your loved ones to make sure they are sticking
and adjusting to their medication regimen. Heart failure patients will need
proper care and support as they deal with these changes and their medical
therapy.
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