We have a drug adherence problem in the United States contributing well over $300 billion each year toward the escalation of unnecessary medical expenditures.

And you may be part of the problem!  

“Three out of four Americans don’t take their medication as prescribed while one-third doesn’t even pick up their medication,” says Rebecca Burkholder, vice president of Health Policy at the National Consumers League.

Not taking your medications correctly can contribute to long term UncleSame_takeyourmedshealth problems, especially for patients who have chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, COPD or heart disease.

So how do you know if you’re “part of the problem”?

Do you ever-

  • forget to take your medication on time, every time?
  • have trouble staying “on track” with your medication schedule?
  • skip doses or cut doses in half to save money?
  • forget to refill your prescriptions on time?
  • take the wrong medication?
  • fail to fill new prescriptions your doctor gives you?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions you are not being fully compliant with your prescription drug therapy.  Your failure, or non-compliance to taking your medications correctly can lead to:

  • additional physician office visits
  • progression of disease state
  • emergency room visits
  • hospital admissions

As a matter of fact –
If you’re not taking your medication correctly your medical condition will most likely worsen. It will result in increased inconvenience for you, increased healthcare costs and increased chance for a shortened lifespan or premature death.

Steps you can take –

  1. talk to your pharmacist about your medications in depth so you understand what they do and when to take them.
  2. consult with your pharmacist and healthcare provider if you have concerns about side effects from your medications.
  3. find out if there are ways to save money on your medication expenses if you have trouble affording them.
  4. fill your prescriptions in a timely manner, both new prescriptions and refills
  5. Utilize medication management and reminder tools to help you remember to take your medications each and every day.

Pharmacists are considered THE most accessible of any healthcare providers in the U.S. Use the availability of their counsel and expertise to your advantage to improve your health.