Most people with heart failure take three, four, even five or more medicines each day. Keeping track of so many pills is daunting, to say the least. And yet, its hard to overemphasize the importance of taking heart failure medications as directed. Failing to take medications as prescribed is one of the primary reasons people with heart failure are hospitalized.

The following approaches can help you stick to your medication schedule.

• Create a chart of your medicines, including the dose and time to take each one. (See sample drug chart, below.) Or try one of many available apps that can help you manage your medications.
• Organize your doses using a pillbox labeled with the days of the week and times of the day.
• Use an alarm or an app to help remind you of medication times.
• Enlist the help of your family and friends in organizing and tracking your medicines.
• Try to take your medicines at the same times every day.
• Reorder prescriptions regularly so you dont risk running out.
• Talk to your provider ahead of time about what to do if you miss a dose.
• Carry your pills with you when you leave home.
• Pack extra medicine when you travel.