Know Your Medications

People with heart failure need to be treated with certain medications to help improve heart function, to help control symptoms, and to help them live better and longer. The number of medications taken is individualized per patient. Some people take a few medicines while others may take more depending on their condition and other existing circumstances. The different types of medicines that may be used to treat heart failure are listed below. Keep a list of your current medications with the appropriate doses with you at all times as this assists all health care providers in giving you optimal care.

Remember:

• The use of over-the-counter medicines or herbal supplements is discouraged since they may interact with your heart failure medicines.
• Routine lab work is needed when taking heart failure medications and treating heart failure.

Do not stop taking any of these medicines, even if you are feeling better. You are probably feeling better because you are taking the medications. If you have side effects from any of your medications call your doctor or nurse, often medications can be changed but should not be stopped.