MEDICATIONS TO MANAGE YOUR HEART FAILURE

Medications reduce symptoms and improve how you feel.
You need to take your medications everyday at the same time
Keep a journal of when you take your medications as well as your daily weight and any side effects or symptoms of heart failure you may have
Refill prescriptions before they run our and always carry a few days extra supply when traveling

Do not skip doses or take extra doses without your doctors knowledge
Inform your doctor of any medications you may be taking including over the counter medicines, vitamins, herbals, analgesics or antacids

Store medicines in a cool, dry place and dispose of outdated or unwanted medicines.
Always carry a list of your current medicines.

Tell your doctor if you are experiencing side effects including cough, dizziness, skin rash, leg cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, mental confusion, blurred vision or change in heartbeat

Do not stop or start any medication without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling better

Avoid salt and salty food in your diet

Avoid OTC medications with sodium such as Alka Seltzer, Bromo Seltzer, or Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda). Water softeners have sodium and water treated with a water softener should be avoided.

TYPES OF MEDICATIONS YOU MAY TAKE FOR HEART FAILURE
ACE INHIBITOR
You are taking _____yes _____no
These medications make it easier for the heart to pump

DIURETIC
You are taking _____yes _____no
This is a water pill
This helps remove excess fluid and salt from the body

DIGITALIS
You are taking _____yes _____no
More commonly called digoxin or lanoxin
This strengthens each heart beat, allowing more blood to be pumped
Report to your doctor any nausea, loss of appetite, mental confusion, blurred or yellow-colored vision changes, rapid, forceful heartbeat

You may also be taking other medications for your heart, or to replace potassium or for other medical conditions as prescribed by your physician. Always talk to your doctor before changing your dose or stopping any medication.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR MEDICATIONS