Health Habits: Medication Reminders

Posted by Andrew Menard @amenard73, Jun 13, 2018

My Doctor recently changed the frequency of my medication from once every 7 days to once every 5 days. I am having a really hard time keeping track when I need to take it. It is an intermuscular injection so it’s not something I can carry around with me so I have to be home in order to take it. I could always remember to take it when it was once every 7 days because it always fell on the same day. So if it was Tuesday I would remember to take it. But now it's every 5 days and I am really struggling to remember to take it. I have tried using my calendar and my alarm clock but it only repeats by week/7 days not 5. Does anyone have any medication apps or tricks they use in order to stay on track with medication that is not on a standard day or week cycle? Thanks!

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mdmo | @mdmo | Jul 15, 2018

Simple, I set alarms on my Android phone. I name them so I can remember why the alarm is going off and what I need to take. Other people thought it was a great idea and are doing it too. I have a injectable med that I keep scheduled with an alarm on my phone,,,,works like a charm

Jeanene Headlee | @jeanene | Jul 17, 2018

Did you look under your phone's > calendar > event > repeat settings for "custom"? I have a medication I take every three days and it reminds me with a notification. Plus I can see it on my calendar! See if your calendar app (mine is Google Calendar).

ainsleigh | @ainsleigh | Jul 18, 2018

I would suggest taking the calendar and putting a circle around every fifth day. I use my calendar in that way and find it a help.
Ainsleigh

muffincat | @muffincat | Jul 19, 2018

Cut the months page of the calendar out and stick it to your fridge, with the dates ringed. Otherwise Id be using google calendar and have it connected to your cell phone and/or computer to ping at you each 5th day. . Agree nothing easier than 'on sun'

Ron Rubenzer | @user_cha272278 | Jul 19, 2018

In reply to @muffincat "Cut the months page of the calendar out and stick it to your fridge, with the..." + (show)

Great idea

exebravo9b | @exebravo9b | Jul 19, 2018

Would it help you if you mark the day in your personal calendar or computer marking the fifth day you are suppose to get injection.

jo2010 | @jo2010 | Jul 26, 2018

If you're not into electronic devices & apps, would it help to notice each month what the first date for your med is, and keep adding 5? If you started on the 3rd, your dates would be 3+5 = 8 (or, the 8th of the month) +5 = 13 (the 13th) +5 = 18 (the 18th) +5 = 25 (the 25th) +5 = 30 (the 30th). It sounds cumbersome in writing but some people would rather do a little math.
Sine the 4th of July fell on Wed., I've been saying to myself, Wed. the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th when a calendar wasn't handy..

Lisa | @techi | Aug 4, 2018

@amenard73 I use to have the same problems as you, so l stumped on an app. That will let you know when to take your mess and it will keep showing up to you take it. Then you can journal how you feel anyday you are having problems and you can share it with family, friends and even your medical team. And you also have your own copy. It records you BP, mood, weight, height, and so forth even if you are a diabetic. And names of all your meds and allergies also names of your doctors. And if you ever want to change it you can. The app is called Care zone app. And l also have one that measures your sleep time. That is Samsung health. I guess if you have another phone other then a Samsung there maybe and app for that. It just came on my phone. Good Luck

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