Do you take medications to manage any health condition? It is essential to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor to work correctly.
Many people can manage their health and illnesses through medications, but not all patients take them correctly. They may not realize that if they don’t adhere to their treatment plan, the medicines won’t work as intended, and their health will be at risk.
This article will run you through the importance of taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Common Reasons for Medication Non-adherence
There are several reasons why people don’t adhere to their medications, and often this non-adherence is not intentional. Here are some common reasons why people don’t follow their prescriptions:
- Not continuing to take the medication because they started to feel better and don’t think they’re sick anymore is a common reason why people don’t continue their prescriptions. They may not believe the medication is necessary anymore, and it’s too burdensome to continue.
- Some patients feel that their medications are expensive, and they would rather spend their money on other things. These patients may miss a dose, take a half-dose, or not continue their medications at all.
Skipping or stopping your medications without the doctor’s advice can cause serious side effects such as withdrawal symptoms, being at risk of severe health conditions, and the illness developing resistance to your drugs.
Instead of saving you some money, you may end up with more expensive treatments in the long run.
Tips to Remember When Taking Your Medications
To follow your prescription plan, here are some tips that you should remember:
- Don’t try to skip doses or take half-doses to save money. You can tell your doctor if you have issues with the cost of the medication so they can offer you cheaper alternatives. The same goes if you are experiencing severe side effects on your prescription.
- If you forget a dose, don’t double-up your dosage, as taking too much at a time can be dangerous. You can use a medication tracker to help remind you to take your medications.
- Only stop taking your medications when your treatment is complete or if your doctor says it’s okay to stop.
- Don’t share medications or take someone else’s dosage as these medications can interact. Their dosage may also be wrong for you or cause an allergic reaction.
- Be wary of how medications interact with food, alcohol, and any existing health issues. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for possible medication interactions.
Remembering to Take Your Medication
There are some helpful tips you can keep in mind to remember to take your medications as prescribed. Here are some effective examples:
- Use a pillbox or container with indicated dates to physically remind you to take your medications.
- Set a phone alarm or a medication reminder app to remind you to take your medications.
- Time the schedule for your medications with things you do at the same time daily, such as making breakfast or brushing your teeth.
- Have scheduled refill prescriptions and appointments with your doctor to keep your medications up to date.
- Bring several extra doses of your medication in your carry-on when traveling in case your return is delayed, and you can’t purchase refills.
Conclusion
It is essential to take your medications to keep your health at the best possible level. If you find you cannot follow your prescription plan as prescribed, you should talk to your doctor about how you can manage your medications better. They will give you the advice to help you follow your plan and adhere to your treatment. This will help you get the most out of your medication and avoid serious health issues.
Are you looking for the best medication tracker app to help you follow your medication plan? Med Manage is a cloud-based medication management app that can help you manage your medications or help take care of your family members. Download the app today!