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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Self-Management Skills

Managing Medications

Managing medications is an important self-management skill. Some tips for patients to manage them sensibly include:

• Know about the medication(s) you are taking: name of the drug, reason for taking it, what it is supposed to do, dosage, time(s) of day to take it, how to take it (with food or on an empty stomach), any interactions with food or other medications, possible side effects, and any special tests needed to monitor the use of the medication.
• Ways to remember to take your medication: set it next to a reminder like your toothbrush or coffee cup, use a medication chart, use a medication organizer, set an alarm on your watch, or have a family member ask if you have taken your medication.
• Do not let your medications run out. Get your refill a few days before you take your last dose.
• If you take any over-the-counter medication(s), check the safety of taking them with prescribed medication.
• Check the expiration date on all medications and discard any unused portion.
• When a new medication is prescribed, ask the pharmacist to check for any possible drug interactions.

Medications can be harmful when used incorrectly. Patients should ask their pharmacist, physician or nurse if they are unclear about any aspect of taking their medication(s) or if they have questions about effectiveness or side effects.