PATIENTS > Medication advice

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Taking cancer medication on your own at home allows you to avoid some unpleasant necessities of IV chemotherapy: the needle sticks and the frequent, inconvenient trips to the hospital.

But along with this freedom comes responsibility. You may need to follow a complicated medication schedule that could involve, for example, 10, 20 or more pills a day. You may also suffer unpleasant side effects that interfere with everyday life and complicate your ability to follow a regular routine with your medication.

Given all these challenges, it may be hard to stay motivated and to continue taking your oral chemotherapy medication as directed. Some people decide to cut back on dosage for weeks or months at a time. If this sounds like you, talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist; your care team can help you to understand why it's important to take your medication as directed and may offer additional advice to help you manage your medication schedule.

The following strategies may also help:

• Know how to take your medication
• Know what to do if you miss a dose
• Easy ways to remember your medication
• Know what your medication looks like

Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.