Why You Need to Take Your Medications as Prescribed

Missed Medication

Do people have trouble sticking to your medication routine.  Simply put, are they taking your medications as prescribed .  For example, taking the proper dose.  Another example, taking that proper dose at the right time,.  Now add in,  in the right and frequency and the chances for errors are huge.  Why is this so critical? Simply put, not taking your medicine as prescribed by your healthcare professional could lead to disaster.  To illustrate, the illness getting worse,.  These events may lead to hospitalization, even death.

The High Cost of Not Taking Your Medicines as Prescribed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported non-adherence leads to 28-52% of chronic disease treatment failures.   a.  In addition a staggering 125,000 deaths per year.  Shockingly, 20-45% of patients being treated with statins (cholesterol lowering medications) who stop their therapy within 12 months.  They now have a  24% increased risk for dying.pill box

Here are 10 tips that may help: 

      • Use modern Technology to remind you to take pills
      • Use a modern pill box that has programmable reminders
      • If using an Old Fashion pill box, take your prescriptions at the same time every single day.
      • Try to associate taking pills with a daily routine.  For example,  brushing your teeth or getting ready for bed. If you choose at a meal, check if your medication should be taken on a full or empty stomach.
      • For some people a “medicine calendar” will help.  Write down  your pill bottles and write down every time you  dose.
      • Use a pill box container. Some types have sections for multiple doses at different times, such as morning, lunch, evening, and night.
      • If you are using a pill box or pill reminder, refill it at the same time each week. For example, every Monday evening after dinner.
      • Try using timer caps for your pill bottles and set them to go off when your next dose is due. 
      • If you’re flying, keep your medication in your carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage. Temperatures inside the cargo hold could damage your medication.

Why You Need to Take Your Medications as Prescribed

Mom medication

Two good useful FDA websites  will provide additional pointers and tips.  Also, valuable tools t (ex. automatic pill box with alarms) so help you take prescription medication as prescribed: “Are You Taking Your Medication as Prescribed?” and “Updates and Information for Consumers.”

If you have questions about your medication, don’t be shy — ask your health-care provider or pharmacist and don’t delay.  Remember, the life you save may be your own!

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