High cholesterol: tips for managing multiple medications

High cholesterol is one of the most common health conditions in the United States and one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

In some circumstances, high cholesterol occurs due to genetic or inherited causes. In many other circumstances, high cholesterol occurs alongside other conditions or risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity, and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Many people need multiple medications

High cholesterol is often treated with medications. People with high cholesterol who have one or more other health conditions may need to take several medications. When you need to take more than one medication, it can make a treatment plan more complex and more difficult to follow.

The strategies below may help.

Have clear instructions and training, if needed

• Have clear instructions from your healthcare provider for each medication. Instructions should include the days and times the medication needs to be taken, whether it needs to be taken with or without food, and how it needs to be stored.
• Many medications are taken as pills. Others are taken as injections. If you are taking a medication as an injection, your healthcare provider will provide training to show you how to use the device.
• You should also have instructions on what to do if you miss a dose of a medication.
• If you have any questions or concerns about a medication, ask your healthcare provider. Your pharmacist is also a great source of information.

Stay organized

• For oral medications, consider using a pill organizer. This is a container that organizes pills into individual doses labeled with the days of the week. Set a reminder to refill the organizer at the same time each week.
• Write down the daily, weekly, and monthly medication schedule in detail. Keep this schedule in a place where it is easy to check.
• Store all medications properly. When possible, keep all medications in the same place and keep that space organized.

Reminders and routines

• Set alarms and reminders on your phone. Some pharmacy apps also allow you to set reminders.
• Have a backup reminder. For example, if using an alarm, also leave a note or some other visual reminder in a place where it will be difficult to miss.
• Make taking medications part of your daily routine, such as brushing teeth.
• Add all appointments to calendars. This includes checkups with a healthcare provider as well as dates for refilling your medication at the pharmacy.
• If you’re having trouble remembering to take a medication, ask a friend or loved one for help. For example, have a family member set their own alarm or reminder for your medication.

Plan ahead

• Plan for unplanned interruptions. Have doses of medications ready if you will be out of the house and may not be home in time to take a medication.
• Plan ahead if you are going to be traveling. Pack enough medication, and have copies of your schedule, medical information, and emergency contacts.
• Also inform your healthcare provider about travel or anything that could conflict with scheduled appointments.

If you are having difficulty taking a medication for any reason, tell your healthcare provider.

The other parts of a treatment plan

Along with medication, diet and lifestyle are critical parts of a treatment plan for high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol should limit foods high in saturated fats, sugary foods and beverages, and alcohol. They should follow a heart-healthy diet of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

They should also get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week (or a mix of the two). Anyone who smokes should quit.

A healthcare provider can give you more detailed guidelines to follow. Different people will have different nutritional needs. Different people may need to take steps to exercise safely.

The lifestyle changes that can help improve cholesterol can also benefit blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, and overall health.