Make it easier to take your medication
Finding a drug that works is essential when having a rheumatic disease. A medication that slows down and counteracts the disease is usually a prerequisite for being able to absorb other parts of the treatment, such as being physically active. Nevertheless, taking your medicine can feel difficult in several different ways.
Are you worried about side effects? Are you weighed down by the thought of needing lifelong medication? Or is the diagnosis so new to you that you haven't had time to settle in and accept the situation?
It is very common to feel a certain resistance to the medication. A handful of tablets to be taken at the same time can feel daunting. Giving yourself an injection as well.
We have tried to collect some tips to make it easier—both when it comes to the thoughts around taking your medicine as well as practical, concrete advice.
Your medicine helps you
- Try to see your medicine as something that actually helps you. You got it because it slows down what would otherwise break down and destroy your body.
- Your medicine is well-proven and the result of solid research. It has helped many people before you.
Plan the occasion
- Choose the time when you take your medicine carefully. If you tend to be stressed Monday morning, maybe Sunday is better? Combine with a nice breakfast or something else that you can look forward to.
- An injection is less unpleasant if it is not cold. Put it in room temperature for half an hour before taking it.
Relaxed muscles = less discomfort
- If you tense up, it hurts more. Do something that makes you relax. Listen to music that you enjoy or distract yourself by talking to someone while taking the injection. (1)
- A cooling pad numbs the area where you are going to stitch for a little while. There is also numbing ointment that you can apply a little while beforehand. (1)
- If you find it very difficult and worry about these occasions, you should tell your doctor or nurse! Together, you can most likely find a strategy that works. You should not have to end up in a situation where you skip or postpone the medication due to worry or discomfort.
Upcoming programs in the Elsa app
Elsa plans to create a program in the app about how to take your biological medicine in the best way. Therefore, it would be valuable for us to hear about your experiences.
What thoughts does your biological medicine create for you? Do you have experience with several different ones? Do you have any tips to share? Feel free to send an email to support@elsa.science and tell us!