There are a lot of medications and supplements when you’re dealing with fertility treatment. You might feel like a small-time pharmacy at times. It can add to the chaos in your mind if you feel disorganized, so consider purchasing, borrowing or sourcing these options to keep them your meds and supplies in order.
There are lots of different options and some you can buy at a dollar store so that you don’t break the bank when you’re already breaking the bank in other ways with your fertility needs. You can also post on a local IVF support group or social media if anyone is finished with their supplies to pass them on.
Here are 7 tips for organizing your injectables (pun intended) and pills.
1) If you have been dealing with giant pills that are prescription or supplements, but now it’s time to increase the number to the point that it’s hard to track what you’ve taken and takes so much time to open a million bottles, consider a pill box. Pill boxes are a common go-to. There are lots of drug stores that carry these or online at Amazon or Walmart that have morning and afternoon options, small and big containers.
I personally use a few different kinds and like the kind that has the quick release button. It hurts my fingers less.
Along with your prenatal vitamin with folic acid, you’ll probably be taking other supplements such as Coq10 or Ubiquinol.
2) There are many supplies, especially if you’re doing IVF, and a pill box alone won’t cut it. You’ll be putting your needle heads, cotton balls, alcohol swaps, bottles, bandaids and any other supplies like patches and syringes in something potentially 2 or 3 times a day. You might also want to store pregnancy tests, ovulation devices like Mira and test strips, depending on where you’re at on your fertility journey.
Consider sourcing a simple toolbox or old school make-up kit or storage box from Caboodle, Walmart, Temu, Amazon or even a shoe box with dividers. There are also options on Etsy that are specific to IVF medication that will have a higher price tag but might give you a mood boost.
You can also use an organizer that you put over the door for easy access and to take up less space if you’re in an apartment or condo. Opt for the clear ones so you can see what you’re working with like the pic on the left below.
If there’s anything you need to do to make it feel less scary or medical, go for it. That might mean adding something colourful and playful, like stickers or putting up affirmations or notes about WHY you’re doing this and reminders of how brave you are for doing this.
4) If need to refrigerate medication like some injectables, then you’ll want to clear out a small, special space in your fridge that doesn’t risk the expensive meds from slipping out when you open the door, and is away from furry friends. That medication is precious, too.
5) It’s common to need to take medication at work or if your clinic is far away then take it on your way there by car or public transit. For travelling with refrigerated medicine, a small cooler without a plug or for long haul, with a plug, can give you some peace of mind. Check with your pharmacist about how to best manage your medication of course.
If you’re having a long day at work and need to take a refrigerated medicine later in the day, a lunch bag or insulated bag in the work fridge or with an ice pack could do the trick, you’ll be ready with some of these options.
6) Everyone forgets to take their medication at some point, but a tracker helps. There is no foolproof plan to never forget, but there are ways to at least reduce the chance. One way to help prevent that at least a little, is have a paper tracker or an electronic one or app.
Some people like old school paper like a printed out calendar, or buying something on Etsy. Others prefer something on their phone with a medication reminder app like My Therapy App, Medisafe, or Pill Reminder. My Therapy App even has drop down for fertility medication in particular such as: Cetrotide, Crinone, Estrodial, Folistim, Gonal-F, hCG, Lupron, Menopur, Novarel, Ovidrel, Pregnyl, Progesterone in Oil, for example.
Then there’s also setting up alarms on your phone daily.
Some people use both paper and electronic reminders like I did. I added stickers to the paper version and could add notes with any other info.
7) Lastly, you’ll need a container to safely store used needles because they can’t go in the trash or recycling bin. This is especially important if you have pets or have kids over. You’ll want to make sure used needles are stored somewhere nobody will get hurt, including yourself.
Your clinic might supply a container for you to store your used syringes and bring to them or to your pharmacy to dispose of, but if they don’t there are other options. For example, you could store used needles then some people use empty liquid laundry detergent container with a screw top as your sharps container, and be sure to clearly label it. Follow the local laws and rules for proper disposal wherever you live, of course.
Having these practical to-dos completed might give you the peace of mind that you need these days. It’s not a magic bullet, but part of the steps on your fertility journey. Good luck!