Breast cancer treatment can sometimes involve taking multiple medications at the same time, sometimes over a period of several years. Each medication requires an individual schedule and dosing, with potential side effects to manage.
Your healthcare team will give you clear guidance on taking your medication, but it is your responsibility to note it down and follow it correctly. Taking your medications every day at the same time according to the prescribed schedule gives the treatment the best chance of being effective.
Why it’s important to carefully manage medications
When undergoing breast cancer treatment, patients are prescribed multiple medications, each with different objectives. The list of medications will depend on factors such as type and stage of cancer, treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy), overall health status, age, existing medical conditions and tolerability of treatment side effects.
Some oral medications are prescribed to treat breast cancer, and others manage pain and side effects. Most patients may also take additional medication to treat existing conditions.
Strictly respecting your medication schedule improves the effectiveness of your treatment, while side effect management supports your daily quality of life and preserves your overall well-being. Missed or delayed doses of cancer treatment can increase the risk of cancer progression or recurrence, while an inconsistent schedule of medication to support side effects can lead to poorly managed nausea, fatigue, pain and discomfort.
Tips for managing multiple medications
Remembering to take multiple medications is a key factor in achieving the best outcomes in your breast cancer treatment.
There are some easy ways to incorporate your medication schedule into your daily routine and reduce the risk of forgetting to take it.
Ask your healthcare team to go over your list of medications and the importance of each one. Understanding the reason and desired effect of the medication will help motivate you to stay on schedule.
- Keep a written record of your medications, dosing and schedule. Add it to your phone, computer and even stick it on the wall or the fridge so you won’t miss it.
- When you take your medication, note down the exact time and any side effects in a dedicated medication notebook or diary. If you accidentally take it a little later, you’ll need to adjust the schedule accordingly.
- Keep medication in plain view in the bathroom or the kitchen as a visual reminder.
- Set alarms on your smartphone or watch.
- Use a pill organizer with several different compartments for your daily medication.
- Ensure you have up-to-date prescriptions and enough medication at all times, especially if you’re traveling.
Life is busy and breast cancer treatment can be a long journey. Make it a priority to find the best system for you to manage multiple medications.
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