Using medications correctly at the right time and in the right way as prescribed by your doctor can help keep you healthy and control medical issues, but not everyone sticks to those rules. What they might not realize, however, is not doing so can have some grim consequences. Show
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20 to 30 percent of medication prescriptions are never filled and in 50 percent of cases, patients don’t continue medication as prescribed. Unfortunately, non-adherence causes 30 to 50 percent of chronic disease treatment failures and 125,000 deaths per year. “Medication adherence is a huge issue faced by many people,” said Kelly Erdos, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist with Banner Baywood Medical Center. “I always tell patients I work with that you can be on all the right medication, but if you don’t take them, then they’re not going to work.” Why Medication Non-Adherence?There are countless reasons medications aren’t being used as prescribed, and not all of them are intentional. Here are two common reasons and five ways to keep you on track. “I’m feeling better. I can stop taking medication.” Sticking to medication may seem like a chore, especially if you’re feeling better, but you should never abandon prescribed medication. If you aren’t taking a certain medication, or medications, as prescribed by your doctor, there can be several negative outcomes. “If you’ve started on a new blood pressure medication but you’re not taking it regularly, it may not properly control your blood pressure,” Dr. Erdos said. “If your doctor thinks you’re taking the medication as prescribed, they may look at high blood pressure readings as a sign that you need additional medication. But that may not be the case.” “My medication is too expensive. Missing one dose or taking a half-dose here and there to save a little shouldn’t be a big deal.” Your doctor may not notice you’ve missed a few doses here and there, however, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t bad for your body and health. “Medications like those for your thyroid or blood thinners may have a huge impact if only one dose is missed,” Dr. Erdos said. “There are even certain medications, like those for depression, that can have serious withdrawal symptoms when even a few doses are missed.” Don’t let cost be a hindrance to getting the treatment you need. Your doctor can help you find an alternative. 5 Important Medication Rules to FollowTaking your medication as prescribed is important to controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary ones and overall health and well-being. Here are five ways that may help:
Tips to Stick to Your Medication Routine
“Always know that as a patient, you are one of the most important members of your healthcare team,” Dr. Erdos said. “The more you know about your health and the medications you are taking the better.” If you have questions about the medication you are taking, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. Additional Resources:
Join the Conversation Why do patients not comply with treatment?Lack of trust: If for whatever reason, you don't believe your treatment is going to make a difference in your health, you may not be motivated to comply. Apathy: When you don't realize the importance of the treatment, or you don't care if the treatment works or not, you are less likely to comply.
Which of the following is the best way to master new information you are learning in class?Which of the following is the best way to master new information you are learning in class? Ask yourself how you can use it on the job. What is recommended when you are reading to learn?
What is the most significant reason for the dramatic increase in expected lifespan?165 Cards in this Set. What kind of information is on a medication label quizlet?The doctor's name, address, and telephone number. The patient's name and address. The date the prescription was written. The medication instructions, which is usually preceded by the symbol Rx.
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