The pharmacist is not being a nag by asking you if you take your medications on time and as recommended. He or she simply wants you to get better, and you will recover sooner if you take your prescriptions as the doctor ordered.
“Medication adherence,” as it’s known, is the practice of taking medication as prescribed at the correct dose and the right time. Taking the medication scrupulously can end illnesses more quickly and improve the quality of life.
Unfortunately, many people don’t follow the prescribed regimen – so many that an article in uspharmacist.com called it “the elephant in the room.”
People have many reasons for not taking the medicine as prescribed. They’re worried about side effects, interaction or the price. Maybe they’re forgetful or disorganized or they wonder if the medicine works.
Still, a pharmacist can answer many of these concerns and suggest ways to be more successful. A pharmacist knows about drug interactions and likely side effects, and which medicines take more time to become effective.
How to succeed
Some tips:
- Get a pill dispenser to help track how often you take each medicine.
- Keep the dispenser where you will see it; let it be a daily reminder.
- Post a schedule on paper or a phone to remind you when medications are due.
- Ask if less expensive generics are available.
As the National Institutes of Health reported, “Adherence to therapies is a primary determinant of treatment success.”
In layman’s terms, that means the medicine can’t help you if you don’t take it.
Following the prescription faithfully will significantly increase your chances at recovery or stabilization of your condition as quickly as possible.
You will always receive warm, professional service at Rego Park Pharmacy. That service includes medication synchronization to help customers manage their prescriptions more effectively.
