New Series:Bill's #3 Adherence Tip for Success with HIV Medications

I started a new series on tips for improving your adherence with HIV medications recently.  Daily adherence with medications  is the key to bringing your viral load down to low or undetectable levels, which will dramatically improve your chances of staying healthy and living a full life.  We now know that taking HIV medications daily dramatically reduces the chances you will give the virus to others.

Tip #3:  Use a key-chain medication holder.

I give this little device to nearly all my clients.  I prefer the metal holders, because they are more durable than plastic.  I recommend you keep a spare dose or two of your HIV medications in it, and put it on your key chain.  Most people take their keys when they leave home, so you'll always have your medications with you if you do this.   It is so simple, it's ridiculous, but it works!

Let's face it.  Things happen.  You run out the door in the morning without taking your medications.  You have a late evening out with friends.  You decide to spend the night with your family.   If you don't have a spare dose of medication with you, you are out of luck and you'll miss your dose.
A key-chain medication holder is like an insurance policy.  You may never need it, but you'll be glad you have it if you find yourself far from home without your medications.

I confess:  I've recommended these key chain medication holders for years, but never used one myself.  Today I decided I needed to finally change that.   Here's my holder with a full day's dose of HIV medications!

There's a lot more to come in 2012, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you health!

Bill


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© William L. Larson, Pharm.D. 2012

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