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Copyright: MEDport Inc. |
If you’ve had a transplant, chances are you have a love-hate relationship with your pills. That’s because even though you realize the meds are essential to preserve the new organ, keeping the multiple pills (as many as 60 per day) and their rigorous schedules straight is daunting. It gets even more complicated if you are on the go.
At last, high-tech has come to the rescue. Now there are devices that remind you to take your medicine, even if you have several pills to swallow each day and all at different times. Some of these devices can be pricey, but if your regimen is complicated, they may be worth the price, worth maintaining your health.
Every pharmacy sells pill boxes that can dispense meds several times a day—the most common option is a daily four-compartmented pill holder box. Often these holders are combined into a week’s worth of pill compartments, so you fill them once a week. If you remember when to take your pills, you can check to see if you sent those meds down the hatch. But remembering to take the medicine is one more chore for the distracted patient.
Buzzing, beeping, and vibrating pill bottles or containers are available, and they can be customized to your particular pill regimen. Some can even record and play a verbal message reminder.
MEDport, Inc. offers inexpensive portable pill minders that include an alarm or talking reminder and a pill holder. Each compartment can be separated if the user wishes. Most devices are less than $50. The Web site address is: www.medportinc.com. The toll-free number is 800-299-5704. The company also offers diabetes and pill mobility devices.
E-Pill offers an amazing variety of alarmed watches, pill box timers, bottles, pagers, and related dispensers. They can be programmed to beep, blink, speak, or alarm. One pull holder/alarm can be programmed for up to 37 reminders a day! Prices range from around $30-100. The Web site is www.epill.com or call at 800-545-0095.
Note that the products mentioned here do not constitute a recommendation from Johns Hopkins, just that some patients have found these devices useful. What has worked for you? Let others know your own best tips. E-mail us at ctcvolunteer@jhmi.edu or call in to the volunteer desk voicemail at 410-614-5622.
