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CHAPTER 4. MEDICATIONS

Taking your medications is just as important as eating a low-sodium diet and weighing yourself on a daily basis. Different medications have different, very specific purposes, and they’re used to treat different types of CHF.

Some medications help the body get rid of excess fluids, and others decrease the strain on the heart and help it work better. Your medication list will be specialized for you, depending on the type of heart failure you have, and any previous conditions you may have. Taking medications will make you feel better, keep you out of the hospital, and help you live better and longer.

Before you leave the hospital you will get a medication list that notes all of your pills and when you should take them. Make sure you discuss this list with a medical professional BEFORE you leave the hospital. Talk to your doctor about:

• Whether to take your medications with or without food
• What other medications you took at home for other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or lung disease. If any of these pills were stopped while you were in the hospital, you may need to make sure NOT to restart them again when you get back home. This is called reconciling your medications, and it MUST be done before you go home
• Tell your doctor about any non-prescription, over-the-counter pills you take regularly, like aspirin or vitamins
• Any side effects that you may experience
• You might also make yourself a medication schedule before you leave the hospital to help keep you on track with your meds at home

Some medications may make you feel tired when you first start taking them, but don’t be discouraged. Soon you’ll be feeling like yourself again! Also, some other medications may cause frequent urination– this is nothing to be embarrassed about. The benefits of taking your meds greatly outweigh the side effects.

Always take your medication as directed by your doctor – don’t skip doses, and NEVER stop taking your medications suddenly. Even if you feel a little out of sorts, or not like yourself, let your doctor know right away because possibly your medications can be changed to make you feel better, maybe even over the phone. If you wait until your symptoms worsen or if you stop taking your medications, you may have to be hospitalized.