Medication Compliance
When a doctor writes a prescription for a medication to be filled by the pharmacist, there are specific instructions on how to take that particular medication. Medication compliance means that the patient is taking the medication according to the prescribed dosage, to be taken on an empty or full stomach, as well as the frequency and times to be taken.
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Failure to follow even one of these instructions, may lead to reduced potency, side effects and even death.
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According to the American Heart Association
- 12% of American adults don’t fill some prescriptions
- 12% don't take a medication after bringing it home
- 22% take a smaller dosage than prescribed
- 30% stop taking their medicine before it runs out
A study conducted in 2011 by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and the American Society on Aging reported that medication non-compliance and missed dosages account for more than 125,000 deaths a year, at a cost of $100 billion annually to our health care system.
When Your Doctor Prescribes a New Medication
Before you agree to take any new medication, it’s important that you know a number of things about that medication.
Ask your doctor:
- What’s wrong with me?
- What is the name of the medication, and what is it supposed to do for me?
- How often should I take the medication, and at what time of day?
- Do I take the medication with food or on an empty stomach?
- When will the medicine begin to work?
- Are there any precautions I should take – foods, drugs, or activities that I need to avoid while taking this medicine?
- What are the potential side effects of the medication?
- What if I miss a dosage, what should I do?
- Does the doctor have any samples of the medication to give me?
- Is there a generic form of this medication?
- What does the medication look like (color, shape, markings)?
- Is there a potential for an interaction of my current medications and this new medication?
- Is there an alternative treatment other than taking this medication?
Make Sure Your Doctor Has All The Facts
Provide your doctor with a list of all of your current medication names, dosages, and time to be taken; including over the counter medication, vitamins and herbal supplements.
- Alert your doctor to any allergic reactions you may have to medications, foods or substances
- Report any adverse reactions or side effects that you have had with previous medications
- Let your doctor know if you are or think that you may be pregnant, or if you are breast feeding
- Tell your doctor if you are on a special diet such as low-carb, low-sodium or low-sugar
- If you are unlikely to take the medication because of memory issues, or an inability to afford the medication, let your doctor know
Before You Leave the Pharmacy
As the saying goes “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Mistakes do happen.
It’s important to be aware of a medication’s color, shape, and pill markings, before filling a prescription.
Before you leave the pharmacy be sure to open your medication, and check to verify that the pills are correct.
Drug Reactions May Produce Side Effects
Here are some possible drug reactions to prescription medications that can be experienced, especially in seniors.
- unsteadiness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- falls
- confusion
- depression
- nervousness
- incontinence
- fatigue
- malaise
- insomnia
- weight changes
Some General Medication Guidelines
The following are some general guidelines for overseeing your medication usage broken down into Do’s and Don’ts.
Remember - if you are experiencing any side effects of your medication, or if have any questions about your medication - speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
DO
- It’s important to store medications in a cool, dry, dark place, away from children.
- Only take medication that has been prescribed for you.
- Follow the prescription instructions exactly – including dosage and schedule.
- Tell the doctor about any other drugs (including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements) that you are taking.
- Ask the doctor about possible side effects, about drug or food interactions, and whether the medication should be taken with food. or on an empty stomach.
- Buy all medication from the same pharmacy or drug store; this way, possible drug interactions with previously prescribed drugs can be considered.
- Follow the full course of drug treatment; do not stop giving the medication until the treatment is over.
- Keep an eye out for side effects - including sleeplessness or sleepiness, depression, confusion, irritability, headaches, or nausea.
- Use a pill reminder box and/or a daily medicine chart to keep track of multiple medications, dosages and schedules.
- Check with your doctor periodically to see if the medication can be stopped or dosage reduced.
DON'T
- Don’t share your medications with other people.
- Don't take any medication that is prescribed for someone else.
- Don’t take medication out of the original prescription and carry it in a different container.
- Don’t change the form of a medication (crushing a pill or mixing one with water) unless you ask your doctor or pharmacist. Changing the form of a medication can change how it works or its effectiveness.
- Don’t stop taking a medication, even if you begin to feel better; finish the entire course of treatment as prescribed by doctor.
- Don’t assume that you are taking medications properly; be sure to discuss your medications, dosages, schedules and side effects your doctor or pharmacist on a regular basis
- Don’t try to second guess a doctor about the medications you need; always discuss any problems or questions directly with your doctor.
The Caregiver Resource Center
The Caregiver Resource Center assists seniors, people with special needs and their families in planning for and implementing ways to allow for the greatest degree of independence, safety and quality of life.
We are available 7 days a week by appointment, and 24/7 for emergencies. All of our services are individually designed to meet the unique needs of the client and their family.
For more information, or to request an initial consultation, please contact:
Linda Ziac, LPC, LADC, BCPC, CEAP, CCM, CDP
The Caregiver Resource Center
Greenwich, CT
203-861-9833
www.CaregiverResourceCenter.com
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
To learn more about health and mental topics and to become a more educated self advocate, please subscribe to this blog or visit us at www.CaregiverResourceCenter.com
