Taking medicine exactly as prescribed can sometimes be difficult.
Busy schedules, complicated treatment plans, unpleasant side effects, forgetfulness, cost, uncertainty about the medicine or simply feeling better can all affect whether someone takes their medication consistently.
For people managing long-term conditions, however, taking medicines as prescribed can be an important part of maintaining control of their condition.
What is medication adherence?
Medication adherence generally means taking a medicine according to the instructions agreed with your healthcare professional.
That includes taking the:
- Correct medicine
- Correct dose
- Correct number of doses
- Correctly timed doses
- Recommended duration of treatment
It is important to understand that medication adherence is not simply about remembering tablets. A treatment plan also needs to be understood, practical and appropriate for the individual.
Why do people miss medicines?
There isn’t always one reason.
Someone might forget a dose because of a busy routine. Another person may stop because they feel better and assume the medicine is no longer necessary.
Others may have concerns about side effects or may not understand why the medicine needs to be taken regularly.
If you are struggling with your treatment, tell your pharmacist or doctor rather than silently stopping your medicine.
There may be a way to address the problem.
Feeling better does not always mean the condition has gone away
Some long-term conditions can be present without obvious symptoms.
For example, people with hypertension may feel completely well even when their blood pressure remains elevated. Treatment is often intended to control the condition and reduce future health risks, not simply make symptoms disappear.
This is one reason it is important to follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare professional.
Keep an up-to-date medicine list
If you take several medicines, maintaining a current list can be extremely useful.
Include:
- Medicine names
- Strengths
- How often you take them
- Any known allergies
- Relevant over-the-counter medicines or supplements
Take the list with you when visiting healthcare professionals or when your medicines change.
Don’t make changes on your own
If you believe your medicine isn’t working, is causing side effects or is difficult to take, speak to a healthcare professional.
Don’t increase, reduce or stop a prescribed medicine without appropriate advice.
Similarly, don’t share your prescription medicines with another person. A medicine that is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another.
Medication reviews can help
A medication review provides an opportunity to look at the medicines you are taking and consider whether you are using them correctly and safely.
This can be particularly useful when:
- You take several medicines
- Your medicines have recently changed
- You are experiencing possible side effects
- You have difficulty following your medication routine
- You use medicines alongside medical devices
- You have questions about your treatment
Pharmacists increasingly contribute to chronic disease management and pharmaceutical care beyond traditional dispensing.
Small changes can make medicines easier to manage
Depending on your treatment and professional advice, practical strategies might include linking a dose with a regular daily activity, using an appropriate reminder or keeping medicines in a suitable, consistent location.
The important thing is to find a safe system that works for you.
Asterix Pharmacy can help
At Asterix Pharmacy, our Disease Management Programmes and Medicines & Devices Use Review services are designed to provide additional support for people managing their health over time.
If you are having difficulty with your medicines, talk to your pharmacist rather than struggling alone.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual’s treatment plan or advice from their healthcare professional.
