Taking medication at work

If you’re already in work and taking medication, or are planning to start medication, thinking ahead can save you a lot of stress and time. Here are some things to consider:

• Talk to your doctor
• Plan a schedule around work
• Understand the storage requirements of your medicines.
• Know what to do if you miss a dose or keep missing doses.

We've also got some practical tips to help you.

Talk to your doctor

Discuss your treatment and your work schedule with your doctor first to make sure you understand the restrictions and dietary requirements of any drugs that they have prescribed.

Plan a schedule around work

If you only take pills in the morning or the evening, you might not need to take your meds at work at all. But if you do have to take your meds during work hours, are there reminders you can put in place to help you remember? Some people have a regular working day and can fix taking their meds around that. Others use an alarm clock on their watch or computer. Whatever your options, use a regular event that will help to remind you, but remember to plan ahead if your usual routine changes.

If you work shifts or your work pattern changes regularly then you might need to think more carefully about how to remember to take your medications and where you can store them. If you travel abroad for work, this is also something you may need to think about.

Storage

Are there any restrictions about where you have to store your medicines? Are there places where you can store your medicines that will help you remember to take them? Some medications shouldn’t be removed from their original packaging and none should be exposed to extremes of heat and damp.

Missing doses

What will you do if you miss a dose? Make sure you have the guidelines from your doctor and know who to contact if you have a problem.

If you find you are regularly missing doses and are finding it difficult to match your medication and work schedules, speak to your doctor about it.

Practical tips

Here are a few more ideas to help you with taking your medication at work:

• Carry a bottle of water.
• Consider using toilet breaks to take your meds discretely.
• Remember to think about emergency supplies, in case you have to work late, for example, or are away for a night unexpectedly.