How to deal with forgetting to take medication? Practical tips

Forgetting to take medication is a common occurrence that affects many of us, of all ages. Whether it’s a regular treatment, short-term medication, or essential nutritional supplements, forgetting can lead to significant health consequences. At Pharma Care, we understand the challenges patients face in taking their medications regularly, so we’ve put together the most effective tips for dealing with forgetting to take medication and improving treatment compliance.

Why do we forget to take medication?

Before we discuss solutions, it is important to understand the common reasons for forgetting medication:

• Cognitive load and daily stress
• Disorganized routine or changes in routine
• Multiple medications (polypharmacy)
• Unpleasant side effects
• Lack of understanding about the importance of treatment
• Memory problems related to age or a medical condition
• Complexity of the treatment regimen (different doses, different times)

The consequences of forgetting medication

Forgetting to take medication is no small matter. It can lead to a variety of health consequences:

10 practical tips for dealing with forgetting medication

1. Create a regular routine

One of the most effective ways to avoid forgetting to take your medication is to establish a daily routine. Associate taking your medication with daily actions that you already do automatically:

• Taking morning medication – while brushing teeth or having breakfast
• Taking medication in the evening – before bed or during dinner
• Medications that should be taken during the day – at regular intervals or at mealtimes

2. Using medication boxes and organizers

Medication organizers (boxes with compartments for different days of the week and times) are a particularly effective tool for preventing forgetting medications. They allow you to:

• Pre-organizing all medications for an entire week
• Immediate detection if a dose is missed (the chamber remains full)
• Reducing the need to open multiple medication packages each day

Medication organizers can be found in a variety of sizes and types, including those with voice reminders.

3. Apps and digital reminders

Technology can be very helpful in dealing with forgetting medication:

1. Dedicated medication management apps (like Medisafe, MyTherapy)
2. Reminders in your digital diary or smartphone
3. Scheduled notifications on smartwatches

The benefits of using apps include the ability to document medication intake, track inventory, and even share information with family members or caregivers.

4. Strategic placement of medications

Proper placement of medications at home can make a difference:

• Place morning medications next to your toothbrush or coffee maker.
• Keep medications that need to be taken with food near the dining table.
• Nighttime medications – on the nightstand or next to the bed

important: Make sure that medications are stored under appropriate conditions (temperature, humidity) and out of the reach of children.

5. Using visual reminders

Simple visual reminders can be very effective:

• Sticky notes on the fridge or mirror
• Family reminder board
• A printed diary with clear marking of medication times
• Turning over the packages of medications that have already been taken (the "turn the box" method)

6. Involvement of family members and caregivers

Often, social support is the key to success:

• Ask a family member or friend to call and remind you.
• Share with your family the importance of your medication treatment.
• In the case of the elderly or people with disabilities – consider involving a caregiver

7. Simplifying the medication regime

The simpler the medication regimen, the easier it is to remember:

• Talk to your doctor about simplifying your medication regimen.
• Check if multiple medications can be combined into one dose.
• Find out if there are medications available in a daily dose instead of multiple doses per day.
• Ask the pharmacist to organize the medications in a clear and convenient way.

8. Drug inventory management

Proper management of medication inventory can prevent "I'm out of medication" situations:

1. Keep a list of all your medications and how many pills are left.
2. Mark in your diary when prescriptions need to be renewed.
3. Order medications in advance (at least a week before they run out)
4. Check if the health insurance company offers a prescription renewal reminder service.

9. Use of advanced technology

Beyond basic applications, there are advanced technological solutions:

• Smart medication organizers with automatic alerts
• Devices that release the right drug at the right time
• Smartwatches with discreet vibrating reminders
• Remote monitoring systems for caregivers and family members

10. Understanding the importance of treatment

Often, a better understanding of the importance of the medication increases motivation to take it:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a detailed explanation of how the medicine works.
• Learn about the consequences of not taking your medication.
• Keep a symptom diary to see the improvement following treatment.

Solutions for special populations

Solutions for the elderly

Elderly people are at increased risk of forgetting medications due to multiple medications and sometimes cognitive decline:

• Medication organizers with large letters and bold colors
• Telephone reminder services
• Home visits from a nurse or pharmacist
• "Blister Pack" services – pre-packaged dose packs from the pharmacy

Solutions for busy parents

Busy parents may forget their medications while caring for their children:

• Incorporating medication into children's treatment routine
• Preparing medications in advance in a bag or in the car compartment
• Phone reminders with a unique ringtone

Solutions for people who travel frequently

Frequent travelers encounter unique challenges:

• Portable medicine bag with labeled compartments
• Adjusting reminders for time zone changes
• Preparing an excess amount of medication in case of delays

When to seek professional help?

Despite all the tips, sometimes professional intervention is necessary:

• When forgetting medication occurs repeatedly despite attempts to cope
• When there is a deterioration in health due to not taking medication
• When there is concern about significant cognitive decline

In these cases, it is recommended to talk to:

• Family doctor
• Clinical pharmacist
• Medical social worker
• Community nurse

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if I forgot to take medicine?

The response depends on the type of medication. In general, if you remember close to the original time, take the dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Never double a dose to make up for it. If in doubt, check with your doctor or pharmacist. It is especially important to get specific instructions for medications such as anticoagulants, diabetes medications, antibiotics, and heart medications.

Are you forgetting medication related to dementia or Alzheimer's?

Accidentally forgetting to take medication is common and is not necessarily a sign of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. However, if forgetfulness becomes frequent, is accompanied by forgetting other daily activities, or worsens over time, it is a good idea to consult a doctor. Early identification of cognitive problems allows for earlier treatment and better outcomes.

How can I help my elderly parent remember to take medication?

Helping an elderly parent can include: preparing weekly medication boxes, setting reminders, daily phone calls, regular visits to check compliance, using collaborative apps that allow for remote monitoring, and in complex cases – considering home care or caregiver services. It is also important to simplify the medication regimen as much as possible in consultation with the treating physician.

Are there any medications that are especially important not to forget?

All medications prescribed by a doctor are important, but there are some medications that can pose more immediate risks if not taken: blood thinners, diabetes medications (especially insulin), antiepileptic drugs, drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection, and certain medications to treat heart disease. In addition, suddenly stopping some psychiatric medications can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

How can you improve your memory in general to avoid forgetting medication?

Improving overall memory can help reduce medication forgetfulness. Recommended methods include: regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, quality sleep, stress reduction, challenging mental activity (such as solving crossword puzzles, learning new skills), avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. In cases of significant memory difficulties, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult a physician or qualified medical professional regarding any medical question or health concern. Do not disregard or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read in this article. In the event of a medical emergency, seek emergency medical services immediately. Use of the information in this article is at your own risk.

אלון גרין

פרופ’ אלון גרין הוא מומחה לפסיכיאטריה קלינית ומחקר תרופתי, עם התמחות בפיתוח והתאמת תרופות מרשם למגוון מצבים נוירו-פסיכיאטריים. בעל ניסיון של למעלה מ־35 שנה בעבודה קלינית ואקדמית, וכיהן כמרצה ופרופסור אורח במספר אוניברסיטאות מובילות בארץ ובחו”ל. עמד בראש יחידות מחקר וטיפול בבתי חולים ציבוריים ומרכזים רפואיים מתקדמים. תחומי עיסוקו כוללים קשב וריכוז (ADHD), הפרעות חרדה והרגעה, דיכאון קליני והפרעות מצב רוח, וכן טיפולים תרופתיים תומכי דיאטה ואיזון מטבולי. משלב גישות מבוססות ראיות עם חדשנות פרמקולוגית, ופרסם עשרות מאמרים מקצועיים בכתבי עת מדעיים, תוך תרומה משמעותית להבנת מנגנוני פעולה של תרופות והשפעתן הקלינית.