The
Cardiomyopathy
Association

Importance of drug compliance

Cardiomyopathy nurse specialist Joanne McOsker says it's vital that patients take their drugs as prescribed.

For many people, cardiomyopathy may not dramatically affect their lives. But it is important that each person is seen by a cardiologist who will assess the patient's condition and prescribe the treatment necessary according to his or her individual symptoms.

Great improvements have been made in treating heart disease, largely due to the research and development of new drugs. These drugs are effective because they are powerful. If you've been prescribed one, you need to know what it is, why you have been given it, and what effects it will have.

Compliance simply means following the recommendations made by your team of healthcare professionals. These recommendations often include making lifestyle changes too. Not following the doctor's advice can result in increased hospital stays and delays in recovering from illnesses.

Taking medicine may be new to you, and there may be a lot to remember. For example: How often do you take it and what time should you take it? It's very important to take medicine as prescribed.

If you don't take your medicines as directed, they may not work. They could also cause side effects that may be mild or very harmful. Without knowing it, you could counteract one medicine by taking it with another. Medicine can also make you feel sick or dizzy.

Quick tips for medication use

• Understand your medication. Know what it's for and how and when you're supposed to take it
• If a medication is causing unwanted side effects, work out with your healthcare team how to eliminate or minimise the effects. Sometimes dosage can be adjusted, a medication can be taken at a different time, or another medication can be substituted
• To avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions, tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. These include over-the-counter drugs such as herbal medicines
• Take doses exactly as prescribed, and be sure to refill prescriptions on time
• Keep a written record of your medication and bring it with you to appointments with your doctors

How can I remember to take my medicine?

• Take it the same time every day
• Take it with meals or other daily events like brushing your teeth
• Use special pill boxes with separate compartments to help you keep track
• Keep a medicine calendar near your medicine and make a note every time you take your dose. Put a sticker or reminder note on your medicine cabinet
• Buy a small magnetised white board with dry erase markers and list your pills on the board. Each day, mark the board when you take your medication. It's an easy way to keep track. At the end of the day, just erase the markings and start again in the morning

Tips for medication safety

• Store your medicine as instructed. Never store medications in the bathroom and always keep them away from heat, light and moisture
• Don't stop taking a prescribed medication because your symptoms have gone away
• Always check with your doctor before you stop taking a medicine 
• Always let your doctor know about any side effects you have
• Ask your pharmacist's advice before crushing or splitting tablets
• Don't share your medication with anyone else. What's right for you may be deadly for them

Are you compliant?

• When you open your medicine cabinet, do you find old prescription bottles with pills still inside?
• Do you sometimes stop taking your medication when you feel better?
• Do you sometimes forget to take your medicine?
• Have you ever run out of medicine before you can get your prescription renewed?
• Are you unclear about what medications you are taking and why?
• Have you ever been confused about what side effects to expect and what to do about them?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are what doctors call non-compliant. It is important to take charge of your own health and to ask your doctor or nurse about your medications. They will be happy to provide you with information.

Dedicated to Damian McLoughlin, who died age 20 of cardiomyopathy. This site is supported by Damian's family and friends.