You may be taking an oral medicine to treat your CML. You should take it as your doctor prescribes. If you stop taking your medicine or change your dose on your own, it may not be as effective. And that means that your body may begin to make more leukemia cells.

Taking your medicine as prescribed by your doctor isn't always easy.

• Make your medicine part of your daily routine. Choose something else that you do every day, like eating breakfast, and take your medicine at the same time
• Use a 7-day pill container. That way, it will be easier to remember to take your dose. And setting your medicine up at the start of the week can save you time
• Use a calendar or medicine checklist. Put it in a place where you will see it every day, and check off each dose you take
• Make sure your medicine goes where you go. Keep a supply of medicine at work. And when you travel, keep your medicine in your carry-on luggage
• Talk with your healthcare team if the cost of your medicine is a problem. There are programs to help pay for the costs of medicines

Next: Managing Side Effects