When your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, fills your prescription, they often briefly discuss how often you should take it and any special instructions, such as taking it with food or first thing in the morning. How much attention do you pay to this information? Unfortunately, all too often, patients don’t follow through on this advice, with many failing to take their medications regularly. Studies have shown that almost half of patients living with a chronic condition are not taking their medication as prescribed, and 20% don’t even get the prescription filled in the first place!
Let’s talk about medication adherence, why it is important, and how your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, can help!
Why Is Medication Adherence Important?
For a treatment plan to have the best chance of success, the prescribed medications must be taken consistently. Many medications rely on consistent use as they have a cumulative effect and will not work effectively if they are not taken as advised. Medication adherence can look different depending on the type of drugs involved. For some, for example, birth control requires taking medication at the same time every day. Other medications have different requirements, such as taking them before or after food or not taking them within a few hours of another medication. These instructions are given to make sure you get the most effective dose from your prescribed medication. If you have any confusion regarding when or how often to take your medication, talk to your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, for advice.
Preventing New or Worsening Conditions
One of the most important reasons to commit to medication adherence is that failure to do so can negatively impact your health and overall quality of life. There are around 100,000 preventable deaths in the United States each year related to medication nonadherence, and according to the CDC, up to 50% of failed treatment plans for chronic illnesses can also be attributed to non-compliance. Treatment failure can lead to the condition worsening, or new comorbidities emerging. For example, patients who are prescribed a blood pressure medication will be at risk of heart disease, kidney failure, cardiac arrest, and stroke if they fail to stay compliant with their medication regime.
Medication Adherence Can Save Time & Money
It isn’t just your physical and mental health that can benefit from medication adherence; it can also save time and money! Every year, non-compliance with prescription medications generates up to $300 billion in additional healthcare expenses due to additional medical appointments and hospitalization. As an individual, medication adherence will help you to lower your medical costs by eliminating avoidable doctor appoinments and prescription refills.
Why Are So Many People Failing to Comply With Prescription Medication?
There are a number of reasons why people either don’t take their prescribed medication regularly or skip them entirely. If you are affected by any of these reasons, it is important to talk with your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, as they can offer advice on overcoming your challenges. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Embarrassment - There is still a great deal of stigma surrounding long-term medication, especially for mental health. Many people are too ashamed to admit that they depend on medication. However, you are not obligated to share what medications you are taking with anyone unless you choose to, and your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, will keep your prescriptions confidential.
- Confusing Instructions - Over half of Americans over the age of 65 are taking four or more prescribed medications. With each having its own set of instructions, keeping track can get very confusing. You can sort your medications into a pill box to make things easier, or better still, ask your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, about a VIP box and have all of your prescriptions and over-the-counter supplements prepackaged in individual doses.
- Fear of Side Effects - With the rise of social media, we have almost unfettered access to horror stories about side effects and claims of dangerous medications. If you have any concerns about something that a doctor has prescribed, talk to them for professional advice. You can also speak to your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, about potential side effects and interactions.
- Desire for Instant Results - Unfortunately, many people want instant results when it comes to taking medication. When they don’t see an immediate improvement, they assume the drugs are not effective and stop taking them. However, some drugs can take weeks or even months to take full effect, so you do need to be patient when beginning a new treatment regime.
Tips For Better Medication Adherence
If you want to improve your own medication adherence there are a number of different tools that you can use. Setting a timer or reminder on your phone or digital calendar is helpful if it is just a case of forgetfulness. You can even use a device like Alexa! If you are struggling with managing multiple medications, a pill box, also known as a dossette box, can make things more manageable. However, the best solution is to talk to your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, about a VIP box. This innovative solution prepackages all your medications in easy to open packets marked with the time and date they are to be taken. This takes the guesswork out of taking your medications.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581