Understanding Your Medications

Understanding your medications helps you take them correctly and recognize potential problems:

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets):

• Aspirin: Prevents blood clots by stopping platelets from sticking together
• Clopidogrel (Plavix): Often used with aspirin after stent placement
• Warfarin (Coumadin): Prevents blood clots; requires regular blood tests
• Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs): Includes Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa; used for AFib and blood clots

Blood Pressure Medications:

• ACE Inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril): Relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure
• ARBs (e.g., losartan): Similar to ACE inhibitors
• Beta-Blockers (e.g., metoprolol): Slow heart rate, lower blood pressure
• Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine): Relax blood vessels
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide): Remove excess fluid

Cholesterol Medications:

• Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin): Lower LDL cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk
• Ezetimibe (Zetia): Reduces cholesterol absorption
• PCSK9 Inhibitors: Powerful LDL-lowering injections

Heart Rhythm Medications:

• Antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, flecainide): Control abnormal heart rhythms
• Digoxin: Helps control heart rate in AFib

Heart Failure Medications:

• ACE Inhibitors/ARBs/ARNI: Improve heart function
• Beta-Blockers: Reduce heart workload
• Diuretics: Remove excess fluid
• Aldosterone Antagonists: Improve outcomes in heart failure

Taking medications correctly is essential for your health:

General Guidelines:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Don't skip doses or double up
• Take at the same time each day
• Know what each medication is for
• Keep an updated medication list
• Bring your medication list to all appointments

Tips for Remembering:

• Use a pill organizer (weekly or daily)
• Set phone alarms or reminders
• Link taking pills to daily habits (with meals, before bed)
• Ask a family member to help remind you
• Use medication reminder apps

Important Precautions:

• Don't stop any medication without talking to your doctor
• Report any new symptoms or side effects
• Tell all your doctors about all medications you take
• Be aware of potential drug interactions
• Avoid certain foods if required (e.g., vitamin K with warfarin)

Refilling Prescriptions:

• Don't wait until you run out
• Use automatic refill programs
• Keep a few days' supply on hand
• Know which medications need prior authorization
• Contact your pharmacy or doctor if you have trouble affording medications

When Traveling:

• Bring enough medication plus extra
• Keep medications in original containers
• Carry medications in your carry-on luggage
• Bring a copy of your prescription list
• Know the generic names of your medications

All medications can have side effects. Here's what to know:

Common Side Effects by Medication Type:

Blood Thinners:

• Bleeding, bruising
• Contact doctor for: severe bleeding, blood in urine or stool, severe headache

Blood Pressure Medications:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially when standing)
• Fatigue
• Cough (ACE inhibitors)
• Swelling (calcium channel blockers)

Statins:

• Muscle aches or weakness
• Digestive issues
• Report severe muscle pain immediately

Beta-Blockers:

• Fatigue
• Cold hands and feet
• Slow heartbeat
• Dizziness

Diuretics:

• Frequent urination
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Dehydration

When to Call Your Doctor:

• New or worsening symptoms
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Symptoms that interfere with daily life
• Concerning side effects listed on your medication information

What You Can Do:

• Report all side effects to your doctor
• Don't stop medications on your own
• Your doctor may adjust the dose or try a different medication
• Some side effects improve over time
• Balance side effects against the benefits of the medication

Medications can interact with each other, with foods, and with supplements:

Types of Interactions:

Drug-Drug Interactions:

• Some medications can increase or decrease the effects of others
• Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you take
• This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products

Drug-Food Interactions:

Warfarin and Vitamin K:

• Foods high in vitamin K (leafy greens) affect warfarin
• Don't avoid these foods; keep intake consistent
• Report major diet changes to your doctor

Grapefruit:

• Interacts with many heart medications
• Can increase drug levels in your blood
• Check with your pharmacist about grapefruit and your medications

High-Sodium Foods:

• Can counteract blood pressure medications
• Read food labels carefully

Drug-Supplement Interactions:

• Fish oil may increase bleeding with blood thinners
• St. John's Wort interacts with many heart medications
• CoQ10 may affect blood pressure medications
• Always tell your doctor about supplements

Over-the-Counter Medications:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can increase bleeding and affect blood pressure
• Decongestants can raise blood pressure
• Some antacids can affect medication absorption
• Check with your pharmacist before taking OTC medications

Safety Tips:

• Use one pharmacy for all medications
• Keep an updated medication list
• Read warning labels carefully
• Ask your pharmacist about interactions
• Review your medications with your doctor at each visit