With so many things to remember from day to day — birthdays, doctor appointments, bill due dates — it’s no wonder we sometimes forget to take our medicines. If you struggle to take your meds, it’s important to talk with your doctor. You can come up with solutions together. Here are six possible medication management strategies to try. 

Do a medication review 

Many older adults take multiple prescription drugs at the same time, which can make it harder to keep track of what's truly necessary. Over time, you may no longer need some medications. Or there may be overlap between what different prescriptions are treating.

That's why it's a good idea to regularly talk with your providers about all the medications you're taking. They can help determine whether you still need each one or if you need adjustments. 

Find a local pharmacy

Visit our pharmacy finder and enter your ZIP code to locate a network pharmacy near you.

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Ask about cheaper options 

You can check the cost of your medicines in the Aetna formulary, or drug list, at AetnaMedicare.com/Formulary. The formulary will tell you which tier your medicine is in.  

In general, the lower the tier, the less you pay. Once you know the tier and price, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best, lowest-cost prescriptions for you — there may be a cheaper option in a different tier. 

Also, if you are taking any of your medicines long-term, ask your doctor about getting an up-to 100-day supply. This may help save you money as well as time, since you only refill your prescription once every three months. 

Let your doctor know about side effects 

Side effects, including headaches and nausea, can also keep people from taking their medicines. If you’re having drug-related side effects, talk to your doctor. They may be able to change the dose or class of medications.  

Keep a medication chart 

There are plenty of smartphone apps and gadgets that can help you remember to take your meds. But a simple medication chart tacked to your fridge often does the trick. Write down when to take each medicine (morning, afternoon or night), the dose, and a quick reason why you are taking it. 

Pick up a pill organizer 

Using a pill organizer can help you keep track of your medicines. Some pill organizers have sections for multiple doses at different times of day (such as morning or evening). Some even have timer functions, so they can remind you to take a dose. 

It’s also a good idea to place your pill organizer in a visible spot to jog your memory when you see it. Think about timing, too. If you need to take a drug with food, place it on the dinner table. For pills you need to take in the morning, put them in the bathroom next to your toothbrush, or in the kitchen beside the coffee pot. 

20% off select CVS Health® brand products

As an Aetna Medicare Advantage member, you get a 20 percent discount on thousands of CVS Health® brand health and wellness products. For instance, pill organizers and OTC medicines. You can get the discount both in store and online.

Log in to your secure member website. Look for "Wellness Discounts for You" under "Wellness & Discounts." There, you can read how to use your online promo code or print your in-store coupon to activate savings.

Choose the easiest form of medication 

If taking pills isn’t your favorite thing to do, you’re not alone.  One trick is taking medications with applesauce or yogurt. The added texture can make it easier for you to swallow. If that’s not working, ask your pharmacist or doctor if you can crush the pill or split it to make it smaller and easier to wash down. (It’s important to never crush a pill without asking your provider first. If the medication is extended release, you may get too much at once.) 

Another option is to take a liquid version, if it's available. If it's an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, you might try the children’s version. Just be sure to talk about it with your pharmacist first so they can help you figure out the conversion dose. 

*If you’re a Florida plan member, you can reach your care team at 1-844-498-1860 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week,  8 AM to 11 PM ET. 
 
See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. Aetna is part of the CVS Health® family of companies. The discount does not apply to items you buy with your Aetna Medicare over-the-counter (OTC) benefit amount (allowance). Vendors offer Value-Added Items and Services (VAIS) at a discount that are not part of your plan’s benefits. You will pay the full cost of discounted services not covered under your plan. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change.  This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to our website.  The Aetna Medicare pharmacy network includes limited lower cost, preferred pharmacies in: applicable areas. The lower costs advertised in our plan materials for these pharmacies may not be available at the pharmacy you use. For up-to-date information about our network pharmacies, including whether there are any lower-cost preferred pharmacies in your area, members please call the number on your ID card, non-members please call 1-855-338-7027 (TTY: 711) or consult the online pharmacy directory at AetnaMedicare.com/pharmacyhelp.  

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