New Series: Bill's #2 Adherence Tip for Success with HIV Medications

I started a new series on tips for improving your adherence with HIV medications last week.  Daily adherence is the key to bringing your viral load down to low or undetectable levels, which will dramatically improve your chances of staying healthy.

Tip #2:  Use a medication organizer to stay on track.

 I know what you're saying.  "What's so important about a medication organizer?  Isn't that what my grandma uses?  I'm only on one pill, so why would I need that?"

Even a simple HIV regimen consisting of one pill once a day is easy to screw up.  Just think of all the distractions you face daily:  school, work, family, spouse, partner, social life, children.   Remembering to take medication every single day is daunting.

A simple pill-box can make it easier.  You fill it up once a week, you take your pills from the correct section each day, and you will stay on track.  No more guessing:   Did I take them today?  Just remember to leave the organizer out in a place where you'll see it,  such as next to your toothbrush or coffee pot.
Medication organizers come in several shapes and sizes.  Here are a few of my favorites for my clients:

If you take medication once a day, this might be the one for you: 

If you take medications twice a day, this one works great.  You can even pop out a section for each day to take with you.

If you are taking medications throughout the day, this organizer works well.  It also comes apart.

This organizer comes in its own case, which is great for traveling or if you looking for something more discreet.


So that's it for tip #2  : Tip #2:  Use a medication organizer to stay on track.  This simple device could dramatically improve your medication adherence.  Stay tuned for more tips in the days to come.
Wishing you health,
Bill
© William L. Larson, Pharm.D. 2012