Many people with diabetes need to take several different medications, and can feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to remember. We make it easier by listing right here the five vital things you need to know about diabetes medications.
1. It can take time to find the right mix of oral medications. Don’t be surprised if the doctor keeps changing the medications in the beginning. The goal is to find the most effective prescription(s) for each individual’s diabetes management. Oral diabetes medications work in different ways and can have slightly different effects on different individuals. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. This is why the doctor may keep adjusting the prescription until diabetes management is judged to be under control.
For more information, check out our article on this site Adjusting diabetes medications. View our short animated video on this site Type 2 diabetes medications: Reach Your Goals.
2. Medications can have side-effects. And so can combinations of medications, including medications for conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Arrange a one-on-one consultation with your pharmacist to discuss the medications being taken and any likely side-effects.
Find out what to do if side-effects occur. For example, you may be advised to call the pharmacist while continuing to take the medication. All cases are different – be sure to get specific instructions for your situation.
If you are supporting someone with diabetes and are concerned they may be experiencing side-effects, check out this article Medication side-effects? Know the secret signs.
3. Medications must be taken on schedule. For medications to be effective, they must be taken exactly as prescribed. Ask the pharmacist to draw up a schedule for you, or create your own using the Medication Monitor in the Diabetes Self-Management Tools section of this site. Your pharmacist can also give you ideas and products to help make it easier to follow the schedule, including daily blister packs and special pill boxes.
Be sure to get instructions from the pharmacist about what to do if an individual forgets to take the medication or is ill.
Check out our expert blogger’s excellent article: How to take care of a person with diabetes when they are ill.
4. To remain effective, medications must be stored properly. Ask the pharmacist for specific storage instructions for the medications you are taking.
Most oral medications must be stored in a cool dry place. The bathroom cabinet is not an ideal location, since bathroom conditions are often humid. Instead, consider keeping your medications in a bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet. If there are children in the house, make sure these places are out of their reach.
Insulin must be stored in the fridge, although it can be stored at room temperature when opened for use.
Be aware that if oral medications or insulin are accidentally left at very high or freezing temperatures, they may lose their effectiveness. If this happens, call the pharmacist immediately or check with the drug manufacturer. For detailed information, see our article on this site What to do if drugs are left in the freezing cold?
5. Medications have special needs when travelling. To avoid the risk of exposure to extreme temperatures or baggage loss, medications should always be kept close at hand in carry-on luggage when travelling. Take extra supplies, including blood glucose testing materials, in case of loss or damage.
Carry insulin in an insulated bag, avoiding freezing or over-heating. You should also bring a small sharps disposal container to store used needles and syringes.
Before travelling, ask the doctor or pharmacist for a list of all medications to be taken. This list should include generic drug names and doses. Your doctor may decide to provide an extra prescription for medications and/or supplies.
Also ask the doctor to provide a short note stating that the patient has diabetes and must take the listed medications.
Travelling soon? Check out our article Tips for travel with diabetes.
