Have you ever lain down in bed only to remember that you’d skipped one or more doses of your COPD medications for the day?

For some people, forgetting to take COPD medication could lead to an emergency room visit. Missing or skipping COPD treatment over the long term can lead to problems like more severe COPD flare-ups, higher medical costs, and a reduced quality of life.

MyCOPDTeam members have discussed the strategies they use to stick to their COPD treatment regimens as closely as possible. We’ll cover some of those, plus additional tips for taking your medications on time and correctly.

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I rarely or never miss a dose.

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I often miss or skip a dose.

I hardly ever take all my COPD medications as prescribed.

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How Common Is Medication Nonadherence in COPD?

Medication nonadherence can mean a few different things. It might entail accidentally skipping doses of a prescribed medication, taking the wrong dose, or never starting a prescribed medication to begin with. Sometimes it means using medication improperly or at the wrong time of day.

For people with COPD, medication nonadherence is common. Research suggests that more than half of people who were prescribed medication for COPD don’t take their medications exactly as prescribed.

“I have my meds on a clipboard. I check it off every morning.”

— A MyCOPDTeam member

Medication nonadherence is more common among people with COPD than among people with several other chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Why Sticking to Your Treatment Plan Can Be Challenging

There are many factors that can make it difficult to stick closely to your COPD regimen. Some are unintentional, while others may be decisions you make. Beyond general forgetfulness, you may find it hard to take your medications properly due to:

• Physical problems (like poor eyesight or trouble with your hands)
• Misunderstanding the instructions (like how to use your inhaler properly)
• Running out of medications before you can get a refill
• Cost of medication and medical care
• Feeling like you don’t need medications because your symptoms have (or haven’t) improved
• Fear of side effects
• Changes to your daily routine, like traveling
• Losing track because you take multiple pills or use multiple inhalers for COPD

Tips for Improving COPD Medication Adherence

Developing a reliable routine around your COPD treatments can help you remember to take them consistently. Other strategies can help you remember how to use them properly or avoid treatment lapses that lead to missed doses.

Create Reminders for Taking Your Medications

One easy way to remember to take your medications is to set reminders on your phone, alarm clock, or other device. As one MyCOPDTeam member said, “I have my alarm set for 8 p.m. for my last pill every day. I would never remember without it.”

Another member commented on how alarms can be most helpful for medications when symptoms are at their worst. “I think I better start using an alarm, as I’m getting worse at remembering to take [my medications]. I’m more forgetful when I’m not feeling well.”

Other MyCOPDTeam members have also discussed using digital tools or apps that send automatic reminders when it’s time to take a medication.

“I use an app called Propeller to help with my inhalers and other medications. It works well,” commented one member. Another recommended a similar tool: “I use an app called CareZone. It sends you reminders for when to take your meds.”

Beyond setting reminders for medication doses, you can also set text reminders or mark your calendar for picking up prescription refills. That way, you’ll know ahead of time when your prescription will be ready, and you can plan your day around picking it up.

Linking Medication Use to Other Daily Activities

If you don’t like setting alarms or reminders, try pairing your medications with different parts of your daily routine. This can help you remember to take them around the same time each day. Taking an inhaled medication or a pill right after you brush your teeth, for example, might help you stay on track.

MyCOPDTeam members have shared their success using this strategy. As one shared, “I take some meds after I get out of bed, some during meals, and some just before bed.”

Use a Log Sheet To Track Medication Use

Logging your medication use can help you keep track of when you take your medications so that you don’t accidentally take more than you need to. Keeping a chart, for example, gives you the chance to “check off” different tasks related to your COPD treatment.

“I have my meds on a clipboard,” noted a MyCOPDTeam member. “I check it off every morning.”

A chart or log sheet can also help you track different health parameters. Your doctor might request this info to learn more about your health and make personalized treatment recommendations.

“I keep a clipboard with the list and check [my medications] off. I also have to weigh myself in the morning and take my blood pressure, peak flow, and oxygen meter too,” said one member.

Print Out Medication Instructions

You may find it difficult to use inhaled therapies, keep track of how much of a medication to take, or remember what time to take a specific medication. Preparing a guide that tells you exactly how and when to use each of your medications can help you follow the instructions closely and avoid mistaking one medication’s instructions for another.

Ask your doctor to give you the instructions in detail, and take clear, easy-to-follow notes during your appointment.

You may even request that your doctor or pharmacist demonstrate how to use a prescribed inhaler. Using your inhaler correctly is important because poor inhalation techniques are linked to worse treatment outcomes. You can use your phone to take a video of the demonstration.

“My daughter did up a list of meds, dosage, and times with a tick box. She also organizes the tablets in a pill organizer.”

— A MyCOPDTeam member

One MyCOPDTeam member recommends requesting written medication instructions from your pharmacist. “Check with your pharmacy, and they’ll make up a card with all your pills on it and when you are to take them each day for a month at a time,” they said.

Get Support From a Caregiver

If physical problems like poor eyesight or problems using your hands prevent you from using your COPD medications properly, ask a trusted family member or caregiver for help. Make sure the person who helps you has access to the instructions for each medication so they know exactly how and when to help.

Set Up Automatic Refills

Setting up automatic refills of your medications through your pharmacy can help you avoid missed medication doses. That way, you don’t need to remember to refill a prescription on time.

“Since I started a three-drug combination medication, I only use one inhaler. It’s saving me money.”

— A MyCOPDTeam member

With some automatic refill programs, you can get your prescription refill up to one week before your medication runs out.

Find Resources To Lower Cost or Ensure Access

High costs of medications can make them less accessible. You might miss medication doses or skip treatment altogether if you don’t have enough money to pay for your prescription.

To help avoid this problem, consider asking your pharmacist about cost-lowering tips and services. You can also ask your doctor whether there are lower-cost alternatives for the more expensive medications, or combination inhalers that combine two or more medications into one.

Finally, try checking the drug manufacturer’s website for copay programs.

Get Home Delivery

Home delivery services can deliver your medication refills to your home so you don’t run into problems with accessing them. These services help you avoid complications and miscommunication around picking up prescriptions.

Ask your pharmacist if your pharmacy can ship your medications directly to your door.

Benefits of Sticking to Your Treatment Plan

Adhering closely to your COPD treatment plan doesn’t just help you manage symptoms as effectively as possible. One Swedish study found that COPD medication adherence can also cut your risk of hospitalization from a COPD flare-up in half.

Although getting the hang of using your COPD medications properly and consistently can take time, sticking to your COPD treatment plan can:

• Reduce COPD symptoms and flare-ups
• Increase your life expectancy
• Improve your quality of life
• Lower your medical costs

Your doctor can give you additional personalized tips for staying consistent with COPD treatment. Tell your doctor about anything that interferes with your medication adherence, and they can help you find ways to solve the problems.