5 Ways To Form Healthier Medication Habits In 2022

This article does not constitute medical advice and is for informational purposes only.

For many people, having a bottle of medication or two in the medicine cabinet is standard practice — just another part of their day-to-day routine. However, slipping into autopilot when taking pills can cause you to lose sight of healthy and safe ways to interact with your medications.

Forming good habits around your medication doesn’t necessarily require big, life-changing shifts. A few small, simple changes can help you become more mindful and intentional about your health and the prescriptions you take to maintain it.

From taking medicine only as prescribed to being proactive about calling the pharmacy for refills, here are five ways to form healthier medication habits in 2022.

1. Take Medication Only As Prescribed

Some individuals have taken medications for so many months (or even years) that the instructions on the bottle go unread. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 percent of prescription medications are taken in ways that do not adhere to the instructions given for timing, dosage, frequency and/or duration.

Incorrect use of medication generally reduces the effectiveness of the prescription and may cause a relapse of the issue. For instance, people tend to stop taking antibiotics when their symptoms go away, but if they fail to finish the course of treatment, their infection may come back.

If you feel an ongoing medication isn’t working for you as prescribed, talk to your doctor or schedule a telehealth visit with a medical professional through GoodRx Care to discuss alternative treatment options.

2. Request Refills Before You Run Out Of Your Prescription

If you take medication regularly, you may have experienced the dread of realizing you’re down to your last pill and don’t have a refill. Being proactive about monitoring your medication can help you stay on top of your prescriptions and ensure you never run out. This is especially critical for people who take medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Experts recommend that prescription holders call the pharmacy at least five days before a new prescription is needed. That way, you can avoid potential issues such as the medication being out of stock, recalled or discontinued. By calling early, you can confirm that your prescription will be available when you need it, and if it isn’t, you’ll have a few days to contact a doctor to find a replacement medication.

Calling a pharmacy five days to a week before needing a new prescription allows the insurance company to receive authorization from the prescribing physician and enables the pharmacy to inform you of any changes to your prescription coverage.

If your medication is no longer covered or you simply want to save money on your prescriptions, you can check GoodRx for coupons, discounts and price comparisons. You can also call your physician to discuss another method of treatment that your insurance plan might cover.

3. Clean Out Old Medicine From Your Cabinet

Purging old prescriptions from your medicine cabinet keeps everyone in a household safe by protecting you and your family from taking expired medication that may cause harmful effects. It also reduces the risk of small children or pets accessing potentially harmful medications and removes the temptation to abuse prescription drugs.

Getting rid of unused medications can happen in a few ways. First, there are take-back programs at the local, regional and federal levels that provide safe and responsible ways for disposing of prescription drugs. You can also use the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommended methods of disposal, such as mixing unused medication with undesirable material such as coffee grounds or cat litter and throwing them in the trash.

Regardless of how you dispose of the actual medication, always remember to remove any personal information from the pill bottles that you throw away.

4. Talk To Your Doctor About What Medications You Take

With any prescription, it’s important to check in with a physician every few months to discuss the effects and if the dosage is working. From upping a dose of antidepressants to switching a blood pressure medication that has unfavorable side effects, touching base with a health care professional who knows your medical history makes for a healthy relationship with prescription medication. They can walk you through your options, recommend what may work best for your lifestyle and educate you on important risks or side effects.

It’s also important to disclose to your health care provider everything you are taking, including any dietary supplements, topical ointments or patches, eye and ear drops and medications you only take occasionally. Having this full picture of how you maintain your health will ensure your doctor doesn’t prescribe you anything that could have adverse interactions.

5. Understand How Your Diet And Lifestyle May Impact Your Medication

The food and beverages you consume can significantly impact how certain medications are absorbed into your body. For example, those who take iron supplements may want to be wary of dairy products, especially within an hour or so of taking the iron supplement. Additionally, grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects because it includes a compound that can inhibit CYP3A — an enzyme involved in the metabolism of many medications.

Lifestyle choices may also interact with prescription medication efficacy. The consumption of caffeine can boost the effects of asthma medication and the absorption of analgesic pain medications such as ibuprofen but is shown to reduce the absorption of osteoporosis and/or thyroid medications. Additionally, herbal supplements may react with certain anxiety medications and cause serotonin levels to become too high.

If you’re concerned about your medication’s efficacy due to diet and lifestyle changes, consult your physician and/or pharmacist with questions and concerns.

No matter what medication you currently take or are prescribed in the future, it’s crucial to consult your physician and even a pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have, as well as any changes you may make to your diet or lifestyle while taking medications.

How GoodRx Can Help Save You Money On Prescriptions

When you do get a prescription from your doctor, GoodRx can help you find the best price for medications through its website and app. Just enter the name of your prescription to compare prices at local pharmacies or download coupons, so you can get your medications at a fraction of the full cost. If you feel you’re paying too much for the medications you need, take a look at GoodRx and discover coupon codes that will save you money.

The GoodRx app helps you compare prescription prices, options and availability to find the best deals and coupons near you. Visit GoodRx and see how much you can save on your prescriptions in 2022.