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Medicines to lower blood pressureMedicines called statins, which lower cholesterolMedicines to prevent blood clots, such aspirin or blood thinnersMedicines that help to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible (if you have diabetes)Make lifestyle changes:- Stop smoking, if you smoke
- Get regular exercise (if your doctor says its safe) for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
- Lose weight, if you are overweight
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, and low in meats, sweets, and refined grains (such as white bread or white rice)
- Eat less salt (sodium)
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
-If you are a woman, do not drink more than 1 drink a day � �
-If you are a man, do not drink more than 2 drinks a day � �
Medicines and lifestyle changes work together to give the most benefit. It's very important that you take all the medicines your doctor prescribes. It's just as important to make the lifestyle changes your doctor recommends. � �
Take your medicines every day " � If you had a stroke or TIA, your doctor or nurse will prescribe medicines to lower your risk of having another stroke. Some of these medicines work by "lowering your risk factors. " � That means that they help lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Other medicines help by keeping blood clots from forming, which is what causes many strokes. � �
Whatever medicines your doctor prescribes, make sure you take them every day as directed (table 1). If you cannot afford your medicines or if they cause side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. There are often ways to deal with these problems. � �
Lifestyle changes " � Lifestyle changes can do a lot to lower your risk of stroke. That's partly because the right lifestyle choices can help control risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Besides, the lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk of stroke can also help prevent lots of other health problems. � �
Stop smoking " � If you smoke, ask your doctor or nurse about how to quit. There are strategies and medicines that can improve your chances of success. Studies show that people are most successful at quitting if they take medicines to help them quit and work with a counselor. You might also have a better chance at success if you combine nicotine replacement with one of the prescription medicines that help people quit. � �
You can also get help from a free phone line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or online at www.smokefree.gov. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 16544 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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table 1Tips on taking medicinesView Largetable 1Tips on taking medicines
To get the most out of your medicines, follow these tips:
Take your medicines every day, as instructed, and at the same time every day.
Use tools, such as a daily or weekly pill box, to organize your medicines.
Keep your medicine containers in a place you will see them every day.
Create reminders for yourself to take your medicines. Try using a calendar, smart phone app, a digital watch, or whatever method might work for you.
Read the prescription label and printed patient information that comes with each medicine.
Do not skip pills, change doses, or take extra pills unless your doctor tells you to. The dose your doctor prescribes takes into account your age, weight, health problems, and other medicines you take.
Learn the names of how each of your medicines, how each works, and why you take it. People who understand their medicines are more likely to stay on them.
Learn what each of your medicines looks like (shape, size, color). When you get a refill, you might get a new generic version that looks different from the last time. That is OK as long as the new medicine has the same ingredient as the one it is replacing. If you are worried about a refill looking different, talk to your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have. He or she might have ways to reduce or get rid of the side effects.
Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you cant afford your medicines. There are often ways to reduce costs.
Make a list of all the medicines you take and keep one copy at home and one in your wallet.
Bring a bag containing ALL your medicines with you to your doctor's office. Have your doctor or nurse go over them with you.
Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before you take any cough, cold, allergy, pain, or other extra medicines. The same goes for supplements and herbal medicines. Over-the-counter and herbal medicines can interact with prescription medicines.
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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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