Sara Paul DNP, FNP Catawba Valley Cardiology Conover, NC

Heart Failure Medications 1. ACE inhibitor/ARB – Iisinopril – enalapril – quinapril – benazapril – losartan – valsartan – Entresto (new) 2. Beta blocker – carvedilol or metoprolol 3. Aldosterone blocker – spironolactone or eplerenone 4,5. Hydralazine/isosorbide 6. Digoxin 7. Diuretic (“water pill”) – furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide, metolazone 8. Corlanor (new)

Other common medicines heart patients take: Blood pressure pill(s) Cholesterol lowering pill Blood thinner – warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa, etc If stents – clopidogrel, Brillinta Aspirin Diabetes medicine – Pills, injections Arthritis/pain medicine Allergy pill Chronic pain pill

Your chance of having a medication problem is increased if: – You take 5 or more drugs. – You take drugs for 3 or more health problems. – You get prescriptions from more than one provider. – You got prescriptions during a recent stay in the hospital. The word for taking multiple medications is “polypharmacy”

It is important to know the name and purpose of each medication that you are prescribed  Always carry a list of your medications or bring your medicines with you to appointments Sometimes the instructions on the bottle are not the same as your provider has instructed, ie sometimes when changing dosage of medicine  Ask your provider the PURPOSE of medications  Ask your provider HOW to take your medications  Tell your provider if you are taking any non-prescription medicines  Many medications have more than one effect  All medications have a brand name and a generic name

Know what your medications look like – Pharmacies buy medications in bulk – The same medication may be different colors if they are made by a different manufacturer VERY IMPORTANT POINT: – Do not expect your doctor or nurse to know what color your pills are!! – Always use the name of the pill, even if you have to spell it

How should you schedule your medications throughout the day?  Taking too many medications at one time can sometimes cause fatigue, dizziness or stomach upset  Some medications must be taken with food or on an empty stomach. The pill bottle should state that.  Some medicines have a timed release, usually 12 or 24 hours  Once-a-day medicines can often be taken any time of day, just take at the same time each day

What is the best way to make sure medications are taken correctly? – Bring your pills with you to appointments – Weekly pill box with morning, afternoon & night slots – ? Turn pill bottle upside down after taking pill – Pill reminder apps on mobile phone or iPad – Medication tracking sheets

What should you do if you suspect a side effect? – Try to identify which pill you think is causing the problem – Set the medication aside and contact your provider right away – Do not wait until your next appointment – Do not stop the medication without instructions from your provider

What should you do if you are having difficulty affording all of your medications? – TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER!! May be able to change to a less expensive drug May help with samples (not long term) Pharmaceutical assistance programs May be able to discontinue a drug

How can I get more information about taking my medications? – – –