Many Americans rely on prescription medications to treat a disease or manage a chronic illness. However, nearly 50 percent of patients do not take their medications as directed. In fact, an estimated 125,000 deaths occur each year from poor medication adherence. Here are a few simple tips to make sure you are getting the most out of your medication.
- Fill the Prescription: There are a variety of reasons a person may not fill a prescription, ranging from concerns about cost or thinking it is unnecessary to simply forgetting. Remember, the doctor prescribed that medication for a reason and views it as an integral part of improving your health.
- Take as directed: It is easy to forget a dose or stop taking a medication when you feel better, instead of following what the directions say. However, medications are most effective when administered as instructed. So if it needs to be taken with food, make sure you have a snack with you. If you need to take it three times a day, set a reminder morning, noon, and night so your memory doesn’t fail you. Not taking necessary medications as directed can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug and may even lead to other health problems.
- Talk to your doctor: If you have any questions or concerns about a prescription – such as why it is being prescribed, possible side effects, when and how to take it, etc. – talk to your doctor. Your physician can provide you with the information and tools to make sure you are managing your health issues properly.
I hope this information helps you better understand the importance of medication adherence. One benefit of a concierge medical practice, such as Principal Medical Group, is it offers unhurried appointments so you have plenty of time to talk your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have about a new or existing prescription. For more information about Principal Medical Group, visit www.principalmedicalgroup.com.
