How I manage the pills I make a calendar

Posted , 6 users are following.

 I make a calendar with the doses based on that nearly stop slow method.. Each day has the dose that’s necessary for that day. Each week has a color code.  The weekly pill boxes seven days each have corresponding colors to the weeks. I always keep the different doses of prednisone the different strengths separate in their separate original containers. I have one container with halves and quarters of 1 mg pills. I fill up the weekly pill boxes about a week in advance . I put the prednisone doses in clear capsules so that they don’t mix with my other medicines or supplements. The 5 mg pills are bigger than the 1 mg pills and you can see through the capsule the different sizes. So this is the way I’ve avoided any mixups with doses.

2 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    It may also help people to ask their pharmacy to put a number for the dose on the outside of the original packaging using a thick felt tip marker pen so it is easy to see. 

    And really - it is a good idea to always leave medication in the original packaging from the pharmacy until dispensing it into your dosette box! 

    If you didn't know - if you struggle with blister packs or the so-called child-proof packs (in my experience, children can open them, we can't!) you can get devices for popping the pills out of the blister pack or your pharmacist will put them into containers YOU can open easily!

  • Posted

    GDay karenjaninaz

    ?Just be a little careful if you are checking pred pills by their sizes.........

    ?Different brands can have different sizes......it is super easy to get them mixed up....

    Mostly there is a size stamped on the tab.....some times a letter denotes the mg size......

    Some of my 1mg tabs are the same size as other 5mg tabs...........

    That's the way it is in aussie land......

    ....................Billy...................

     

    • Posted

      Bill, here in the US the pred comes in a multi dose, well marked container. The 5s here are noticeably larger. I first put the 5s into the capsules for that week, put the 5 away.- then do the ones and smaller. Into the capsules. In the 2 yeas I've never erred that way. I was a nurse for 50 years 37 of which as an anesthetist. I am extremely strict with meds knowing how dangerous errors are. My calendar, color coded weeks work for me. 

      Marking each calendar day with that expected dose helps me keep track of my tapering. I only tolerate 1/4 mgm drops.

    • Posted

      That's good Karen........

      Just out of interest sake, I take it you have to cut the 1mg tabs to get quarters..........

      any problems there ?????????

      ................Billy...............

    • Posted

      I found it easier to achieve the equivalent of quarters by having half on alternate days though I do admit that this throws another chance to make a mistake into the mix.  ( Sorry,pun not intended! )
    • Posted

      Yes,. I use a small pill cutter. I use clear capsules just for my pred. The pieces are not always perfect but it evens out.  I have a special container for 1/2s and 1/4s - a supply. I set up about 2 weekly pill containers in advance. It works for me and no errors so far.

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