When you’re diagnosed with long term conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes, your doctor will likely prescribe medication to help keep you well and manage your condition. It’s really important to take your prescribed medication regularly, as this can prevent complications and help keep your body healthy.
Why taking your medication matters
Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can cause serious damage if left untreated. For example, high blood pressure can damage your heart, kidneys, and even your eyes over time.
Similarly, if your blood sugar isn’t controlled, it can harm organs like your kidneys, heart, and nerves.
Taking your medication on time, as prescribed, helps make it as effective as possible, and may help minimise inconvenient side effects. Particularly if you have a long term condition, taking prescribed medication consistently helps keep you well and aids in preventing future complications.
Understanding side effects
Sometimes medications can have side effects, like feeling tired or having an upset stomach.
How people think about side-effects can have a big impact on whether they stick to taking their medications correctly and consistently, with 50% or more of patients estimated to not take their medications as prescribed.
If you experience side-effects, it’s vital that you don’t stop your taking your medication (unless you experience any of the symptoms outlined in the ‘When to stop taking your medication’ section below). if you experience a new, persistent, cough induced headache.
Should you experience anything unusual, don’t panic – it’s important to keep track of how you feel and talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll be happy to discuss a change of medication, suggest ways of managing the side effects, or work with you to find another solution. Any GP or pharmacist will be pleased that you’re taking your health seriously, so never be afraid or feel ashamed of reaching out to them. It’s always better to be safe and discuss any side effects with your healthcare team.
Tips to stay on track with your medication
Sometimes, it can be hard to remember to take your medication every day, especially if you feel fine.
But the reality is, even when you feel well, your condition might still be affecting your body in ways you can’t feel. So, here are some practical tips to make sure you’re taking your medication regularly:
Set a reminder:
Use your phone to remind you when it’s time to take your medicine.
There are apps that can help you with this, including the Evergreen Life app where you can set reminders and record when you take your medication in the medication diary. Find out more about medication reminders.
Create a routine:
Take your medicine at the same time each day, perhaps with a meal, so it becomes part of your daily habits.
Use a pill organiser:
This helps you see if you’ve taken your medication each day and makes it easier to track. A dosette box is especially useful for organising multiple prescriptions by date and time. Dosette boxes, also known as ‘trays’, ‘blister packs’ or ‘multi-compartment compliance aids’ are containers which have separate compartments for days of the week and times of the day and can assist people with taking their medicines.
Dosette boxes are not always available for free on the NHS and they’re not suitable for every type of medicine. Check with your local community pharmacy to see if this might be an option for you.
Ask for help:
If you forget or feel unsure about your meds, ask a family member or friend to help remind you.
Regular medication reviews
It’s important to review the medicines you take regularly. If you have a chronic (long term) medical condition and/or multiple medications an annual review is recommended at a minimum. For those taking four or more medications, reviews might be needed every six months.
These reviews help ensure that your current dosages remain effective, identify any side effects, and confirm that you can take your medicines properly. Sometimes, following a review, your doctor or pharmacist may need to adjust your medication to find what works best for your body. This is normal and part of the process.
If you find you aren’t getting these medication reviews, we recommend that you ask for one. They can be done by pharmacists at your GP practice or high street as well as GPs. For many doctors and pharmacists, it’s not just their job, but their passion to help people find the right medical care for them; so they’ll always be happy to help.
Taking medications safely
To ensure you’re taking your medications safely, it’s important to know when and how to take them. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully, as some medications need to be taken at specific times or in certain ways, such as before or after food. Proper techniques for using devices like inhalers or injections are also essential to ensure effectiveness. Further advice on how to take your specific medication can be found via the links at the end of this article or by asking your pharmacist or GP.
Interactions with medicines bought from your pharmacist
Be aware that some over-the-counter medicines and supplements shouldn’t be taken with prescribed medications without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. If you miss a dose or accidentally take an extra one, check the information provided with your medication, look at the advice on the NHS medicines directory, or speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to determine the safest course of action.
Storing medications safely
Proper storage of medications is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and safety. Keep medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing them in the bathroom or kitchen, where temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate. Always keep medications in their original containers to retain important labeling and safety information.
Medications should be stored out of reach and sight of children and pets. For added security, consider using a lockable storage box or cabinet. Dispose of expired or unused medications promptly by following local disposal guidelines or using a drug take-back programme.
Questions to ask about your medicines
Being informed about your medications empowers you to manage them safely. Consider asking your healthcare provider or pharmacist the following questions:
- Purpose: What does this medicine do?
- Dosage and Timing: How often and when should I take it?
- Food Interactions: Should I take it with food?
- Duration: How long do I need to continue this medication?
- Missed Doses: What should I do if I forget a dose?
- Side Effects: What are the possible side effects, and how can they be managed?
- Other Medication Interactions: Does this medicine react with other medication I’m taking, and, if so, how? You can investigate this a little for yourself on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) medications Interactions A to Z page.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Can I drink alcohol, drive, or engage in other activities while on this medication?
How to spot and manage side effects
Common side effects
It’s not unusual to experience mild side effects when starting a new medication. These may include symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Mild headaches
- Dizziness
These symptoms often resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, consult your healthcare professional. Some medications can increase the risk of falls due to drowsiness or dizziness, so let your healthcare provider know if you experience these issues.
When to contact your healthcare professional
If you notice anything concerning, like severe dizziness, chest pain, or swelling, contact your doctor right away. These could indicate that your medication needs to be adjusted. It’s better to be safe and discuss any side effects with your healthcare team.
Additionally, contact your GP or the NHS 111 service for advice if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness.
- Skin rash, itching, or swelling.
- Changes in mood, such as feeling unusually anxious or depressed.
- Symptoms of infection, such as a persistent sore throat, fever, or chills.
- Any other symptom that causes you concern or discomfort that doesn’t improve.
When to stop taking your medication
Stop taking the medication immediately and contact your GP or NHS 111 if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, (in this instance call 999 – see next section) or a widespread rash.
- Severe abdominal pain or blood in the stool.
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), which could indicate liver problems.
- Sudden, severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm.
Seek emergency medical assistance by calling 999 or going to the nearest A&E department if you experience:
-Chest pain or tightness.
-Severe difficulty breathing or wheezing.
-Seizures or convulsions.
-Sudden swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, causing difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).
-Symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body, slurred speech, or loss of vision.
Reporting side effects
If your medication appears defective or causes an unexpected side effect, notify your healthcare professional. They, or you, can report the issue to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority using their “Yellow Card” website. Reporting helps improve medication safety for everyone.
Always read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication for details on potential side effects and guidance (or check the links to the medication guides at the bottom of this article). If you’re ever uncertain about your symptoms or how to proceed, consult your GP, NHS 111, or seek emergency medical assistance. Remember, it’s better to be cautious and proactive about your health.
Medication is just one part of the puzzle
Remember, medication isn’t the only thing you can do to manage your health. It’s a key part of a bigger plan that includes healthy eating, exercise, and managing stress. Your doctor might also suggest changes to your lifestyle to support your treatment. The more you can combine your medication with healthy habits, the better your results will be.
Take control of your medications
Taking your medication regularly and following your doctor’s advice is essential to keeping your blood pressure or diabetes under control. It helps prevent long-term damage, keeps you feeling your best, and improves your overall quality of life.
By staying on top of your medication and making small lifestyle changes, you’re taking charge of your health and setting yourself up for success.
The Evergreen Life app can help you manage your medications and your overall health, with a medication diary and the ability to set reminders. Stay informed, stay consistent, and work closely with your healthcare provider to keep your health on track.
Learn more about your medications:
Taking medications when pregnant
Taking medications when breastfeeding
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2025). Interactions A to Z. [online] Available here.
NHS (n.d.) Medicines A-Z. [online]. Available here.
