Take Medications as Prescribed or Instructed

​Sticking to a medication routine or medication adherence means taking your medications as prescribed, at the correct dose, at the right time, and in the right way.

Take Medications as Prescribed or Instructed
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Sticking to a medication routine or medication adherence means taking your medications as prescribed, at the correct dose, at the right time, and in the right way.  Why are these items important?  Not taking your medicine as prescribed by your doctor or instructed by a pharmacist could worsen your condition, require hospitalization, and may even cause death.
 
The High Cost of Not Taking Your Medicines as Prescribed
Statistically, the problem of not taking medicine as prescribed is:

• 20 to 30 percent of prescriptions are never filled.
• Medications are not taken as prescribed 50 percent of the time.
• Most patients prescribed medications for chronic diseases take less medication than prescribed or stop the medication altogether after six months.
• Only 51 percent of people taking medications for high blood pressure continue to take their medication during their long-term treatment.

 
Why Some People Do Not Take Medications as Prescribed
Many patients do not follow their healthcare provider's medication instructions for various reasons (e.g., not understanding the directions, forgetfulness, multiple medications with different regimens, unpleasant side effects, or the medicine does not work).  Cost can be a factor causing medication non-adherence.  Many patients (especially seniors) cannot afford to fill their prescriptions or decide to take less than the prescribed dose to make the prescriptions last longer.  Yet, to get the best results from medications, taking medicine as instructed is very important.
 
Taking Your Medicine
Medication adherence is essential for controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary conditions, and overall long-term health and well-being.  A personal connection with your healthcare provider or pharmacist is integral to your health.  Since your pharmacist is an expert in medications, they can help suggest how best to take your medications.  However, you play the most crucial part by taking your medicines as directed.
The following suggestion can help:

• Take medications at the same time every day.  Before selecting a mealtime for your routine, check if your medication should be taken on a full or empty stomach.
• Use a pill container.  Some types have sections for multiple doses at different times, such as morning, lunch, evening, and night.  When using a pill container, refill it at the same time each week.
• When traveling, bring enough of your medications, plus a few days extra, in case your return is delayed.
• If you are flying, keep your medication in your carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage.  Also, temperatures in the cargo hold could damage your medications.

Note:  if you have questions about your medication, do not be shy.  Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.  Keep in mind, the life you save may be your own!
​

Download your free booklet and self-fillable medication list
“WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A PERSONAL MEDICATION LIST.” 
The PML might save a life!  Download from the BOOKSTORE NOW!