3 Things You’ll Learn When You “Date” Your Local Pharmacy​

“Can’t keep track of your Tinder dates, just how you can’t keep track of taking your meds? Look no further and make sure to Swipe Right on your local pharmacy."

Hey there. It’s your local neighborhood pharmacy here. We miss you. About one out of three people never fill their prescriptions, and we’d be so lonely if that describes you. Not taking medication as directed leads to serious health issues and nearly 125,000 deaths each year. But don’t worry, we’re here to provide support. Taking your prescription medications on time and as directed reduces the risk of having to visit the ER or stay in the hospital. Let’s work together so you can enjoy a longer, healthier life with your family and friends.
We encourage everyone to TAKE THE PLEDGE. TAKE YOUR MEDS.

Chronic disease management is currently our nation's major healthcare problem costing the US economy $277 billion annually. California alone spent $98 billion to treat chronic diseases. Of that, $3.8 billion was spent on prescription drugs. The best treatment for most chronic illnesses are prescription medications and lifestyle changes (e.g. diet and exercise). However, many patients don’t reach their health goals for their chronic illnesses due to not taking their drugs e. This includes forgetting to take their medications and being unable to keep track of their complex daily medication regimens. Others believe medications don’t work, feel that they don’t need to take them, and/or become afraid of taking too many. With these beliefs, the benefits often get overlooked by fear.

To fix the non-adherence dilemma, a proposed solution is a medication “check-up” or a Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) provided by neighborhood pharmacists, who make it easier to take medications correctly. CMM is an opportunity for a patient to receive a complete evaluation and assessment of their prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements/herbs from their pharmacists to ensure that the drug-use is appropriate, safe and effective.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should work with your pharmacist to help you to TAKE THE PLEDGE. TAKE YOUR MEDS!:

Reason#1: We Aren’t Afraid of Commitment. Going to the same local pharmacy regularly allows you to develop a relationship--unlike acting like a Tinder user of pharmacies. Picking up your medication from different pharmacies may be fun and exciting like Tinder, but we’re ready to be exclusive. As your local pharmacy, we want to see you regularly and build a genuine relationship. We are available to help answer your immediate concerns regarding your health and medications; we’re all ears!

Reason #2: We Enjoy Taking Care of You. Ever find yourself skipping a medication dose? We get it; life can be hectic and it’s easy to forget a prescription refill. You can sit back and relax, we’re here for you. Come visit us at the pharmacy and we’ll take care of you. We’d be more than happy to setup automatic refills or synchronize all your medication pick-ups for the same time each month. To avoid the hassle of driving into town and standing in those lines, we can mail and/or deliver your medications to your front door, so you can enjoy more “me time” (you deserve it).

Reason #3: We Plan For The Future. We’re in this relationship for the long haul. We want you to live a great life, enjoying more quality time with your loved ones and spending less of your hard earned money on medical expenses: ER visits, lab tests, surgeries, and co-pays for expensive prescriptions. You can now use that money towards a trip you’ve been dreaming of or the jet ski you’ve always wanted!

For more information on how you or your loved ones can TAKE THE PLEDGE. TAKE YOUR MEDS. Visit our website: www.scriptyourfuture.org. The website offers useful tools and available resources to help set-up text reminders and FREE Script Your Future Wallet Cards offered in multiple languages to keep track of your medication list and schedule.

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Power of Prevention: Chronic Disease…The Public Health Challenge of the 21st Century (Atlanta, Ga.: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, 2009), www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/ pdf/2009-Power-of-Prevention.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Death and Mortality. NCHS FastStats Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/deaths.htm.
3. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Prevalence and Cost of Care Projections. http://costprojections.cancer.gov/
4. Gerteis J, Izrael D, Deitz D, LeRoy L, Ricciardi R, Miller T, Basu J. Multiple Chronic Conditions Chartbook.[PDF - 10.62 MB] AHRQ Publications No, Q14-0038. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2014. Accessed November 18, 2014.
5. California Pharmacists Association. AB 2084(Wood): Comprehensive Medication Management.www.cpha.com/CMM
6. California Pharmacists Association. Making the Case for AB 2084. www.cpha.com/CMM
7. Ross DeVol and Armen Bedroussian, An Unhealthy America: the Economic Burden of Chronic Disease, Charting a New Course to Save Lives and Increase Productivity and Economic Growth (Santa Monica, Calif.: Milken Institute, 2007).