What is your doctor’s biggest worry about their patients?

It’s something called “drug adherence”. In simple terms, it’s whether or not someone is taking their medication on time, and as prescribed. 

It can mean all the difference in someone getting better or worse. Starting and then stopping a medication can sometimes lead to disastrous side effects. Failure to take medications as prescribed may result in  uncontrolled symptoms, exacerbations of chronic conditions, increased risk of complications, and potential adverse health outcomes. Also, it may lead to the erosion of patient-doctor trust and communication and increased preventable hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs.

What are some examples of drugs with serious risk? 

• Antibiotics: If patients stop taking antibiotics when they start to feel better, some bacteria may remain, multiply, and cause a recurrence of the infection or develop resistance to the drug.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV: Adherence to ART drugs is essential to keep HIV under control, reduce the viral load, improve overall health, prolong life, and reduce the risk of transmission. 
• Antidepressants: For antidepressants to work effectively, it’s necessary to take them continuously, often for weeks or months. Suddenly stopping or missing doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of depression.
• Antihypertensives: These drugs are used to control high blood pressure, and non-adherence can lead to serious health risks such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Regular and consistent use is essential to manage blood pressure levels effectively.
• Drugs for chronic diseases: For chronic conditions like diabetes, adherence to medication is crucial to maintain blood sugar levels within a safe range and prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

So, how do you make sure you are taking your medication exactly the way your doctor wants you to?

1. Understand the Medication: Take the time to understand the purpose of the medication, its benefits, potential side effects, and how it should be taken. Ask your healthcare provider questions and clarify any doubts or concerns you may have.

2. Follow the Prescribed Regimen: Stick to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and duration of the medication. Use reminders, such as alarms or smartphone apps, to help you remember when to take your medication.

3. Organize Medications: Keep your medications organized in pill organizers or use medication management apps to ensure you take the right medication at the right time. Set up a routine for refilling prescriptions to avoid running out of medication.

4. Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Inform your healthcare provider about any challenges or concerns you have regarding medication adherence. They may be able to provide alternative options or suggest strategies to make adherence easier.

5. Establish a Routine: Incorporate medication-taking into your daily routine. Take medications at the same time each day, linking them to specific activities such as meals or brushing your teeth, to help build consistency.

6. Engage Family or Caregivers: If needed, involve family members or caregivers in supporting medication adherence. They can help with reminders, organizing medications, or providing assistance when necessary.

7. Address Barriers: Identify and address any barriers to medication adherence, such as forgetfulness, difficulty swallowing pills, or financial constraints. Discuss these challenges with your healthcare provider to explore potential solutions or alternatives.

8. Educate Yourself: Learn about your medical condition and how medication adherence contributes to its management. Understand the potential consequences of non-adherence, such as disease progression or complications, to motivate yourself to adhere to the prescribed regimen.

9. Avoid Self-Adjusting Medications: Do not modify the prescribed dosage or stop taking medications without consulting your healthcare provider. If you have concerns or experience side effects, discuss them with your healthcare provider rather than making changes on your own.

10. Seek Support: Consider joining support groups or seeking peer support from others managing similar conditions. Sharing experiences and strategies with others can provide encouragement and motivation for medication adherence.

Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. They can provide personalized advice, monitor your progress, and make adjustments to your medication regimen if necessary. Adhering to medications is a collaborative effort, and your active participation is key to achieving optimal treatment outcomes.