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When we talk about complying with a drug therapy, we refer to following the doctor’s instructions about the time of day, dosage and how often you should use them.
Complying with the drug therapy helps them to be effective in treating your health conditions. If you do not follow the therapy as directed by your doctor, the health risks could increase and your conditions could worsen.
Adherence is important for the management and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides), among others.
WHY TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS?
Medications are one of the main resources to take care of your health. However, its benefits may be altered by non-compliance with therapy. When you do not comply with your drug therapy, you could be exposed to:
- Uncontrolled disease
- Increased likelihood of relapses
- Decreases in drug effectiveness
- Increases the appearance of side effects
- Increased visits to emergency rooms and hospitalizations
- Decrease in the quality of life
It’s important that you comply with your treatment and are aware of how to take them as prescribed by your doctor. Involve your family and friends in the adherence of you treatment and clarify any doubts you may have at each visit with your doctor.
If you have questions or concerns about any medication of if you experience an unwanted effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist of preference.
Remember that these tips will help you improve your health and quality of life!
REFILLS
- Do not wait for your medicine to run out go get it
- You can get your refill 5 days before the refill date
- Participate in automatic refill programs
- Request 90 days of supply
- Ask to refill authorization when traveling
COORDINATE ALL YOUR REFILL TOGETHER
Get all of your drug refills in one visit at your preferred pharmacy
Consult with your pharmacist!
SUPPORT TOOLS
to improve adherence to your medications
- Know the medicines you use, how much to take and when to take them
- Identify moment of your daily routine when you can remember to take them (ex. with breakfast, after washing your mouth, at bedtime, with meals)
- Put a symbol on the containers with your medications to identify the time to take them
- Use a pill box to divide the medications you should take each day
- Write in your calendar when you should take them
- Schedule an alarm that reminds you take them
