What to Do if You Forgot to Take Your Blood Pressure Medication This Morning

But if you realize you’ve left home without taking them, there’s no need to panic. You can take some immediate steps, depending on timing, as well as implement a few key strategies to help you remember in the future.

• If you remember shortly after your usual time to take the pill, take the missed dose right away.
• If you don’t remember to take it until it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• If you aren’t sure whether it’s too close to your next dose to take the medication, contact your doctor or a pharmacist, who can guide you on how to proceed.

Set Reminders

Use digital or written prompts to notify yourself of the time you’re supposed to take your meds. For example, you might:

• Set alarms.
• Use smartphone apps.
• Put sticky notes in visible places.

Keep Medication Accessible

Whenever possible, keep your blood pressure pills in places where they’re easily spotted:

• On the breakfast table or kitchen counter
• Next to your toothbrush in the bathroom
• On the nightstand in the bedroom

You can also keep a spare dose in your wallet, purse, or desk at work, in case you realize that you didn’t take your blood pressure medication shortly after leaving home.

Have a Plan for Refills

It doesn’t matter if you remember to take your meds if the pill bottle is empty. To help prevent this scenario, you can:

• Set calendar reminders to refill your medication before you take the last pill.
• Ask your local pharmacy if they have a drop-off service, or use a prescription delivery service.
• Request an early refill if you’re expecting extreme weather, if you plan to travel, or if the person who usually picks it up for you will be away.

Create a Routine

Get into the habit of taking medications at the same time every day. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist whether you should take them before eating, after eating, or with food. Then decide on a routine that will help you remember to do so.

Perhaps you’ll take the medication when you wake up, go to bed, or during the day with an enjoyable snack. That can help you remember to take the pill.

You can also try a practice called habit stacking, which is when you add on a new habit to something that you already do at the same time each day, such as brushing your teeth or brewing your coffee.

Keep a Medication Diary

Use a dedicated notebook or calendar to keep track of your medications daily. Check them off when you’ve taken them for the day. You can even write down the time you took the pill, in case you need to refer back to it.

Consider a Pill Organizer

These are boxes with separate compartments that can be labeled with the days of the week and specific times. At the start of the week, put your pills in the box according to when you need to take them. You can also ask a family member or friend to help you do that if your sight or dexterity is impaired.

Involve Family or Friends

Beyond helping with your pill organizer, loved ones are often happy to assist you with maintaining or improving your health. They can:

• Accompany You to Medical Visits They may remember what the doctor said, even if you forget, especially if you feel anxious or stressed.
• Learn About Your Medications Two heads can be better than one in terms of understanding how drugs work and what risks you should look out for.
• Provide Reminders Ask a loved one to call you or send a text at the times when you should take your pills.
• Support Your Treatment Journey Tackling health issues through teamwork is easier than going it alone. If they also have a treatment to follow, you can support them in return.

Communicate With Your Doctor and Pharmacist

Speak with your doctor if any of these circumstances affect your ability to take your medication:

• You’re concerned about or are experiencing side effects.
• You don’t understand the drug or are getting confused about which drugs are which.
• You don’t think the medication is helping.
• You’ve heard negative reports in the news or from friends about your medication.
• You can’t afford to pay for the treatment.
• You have another health condition that could affect regular use, such as depression or memory loss.

Your doctor may be able to simplify your drug regimen, prescribe a more affordable drug, or address other concerns.

Understand Why You Need Blood Pressure Medication

• Blood pressure over 130/80 mmHg
• A personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke, or heart problems
• Risk factors for high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, smoking, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, or older age