Are you taking your medications as prescribed?

Taking your medication as prescribed (also known as medication adherence) is important to ensure the medication works properly. Failure to take medication as prescribed can interfere with the ability to treat the condition the medication is prescribed for which can lead to complications and a decreased quality of life.

What can you do to make sure you take your medication as prescribed? 

• Understand what the medication is for, why you need to take the medication and the risks of not taking the medication. When you understand the importance of the medication you are more likely to take it as prescribed. If you don’t feel the physician has explained these things ASK!!!
• Make it part of your daily routine such as always taking your medication with your meal, as part of your bedtime routine or set a daily alarm to remind you.
• Once a week fill a daily dosing container that can provide a visual reminder if you have taken your medication that day.
• Enroll in your pharmacies automatic refill program so you are reminded when it is time to refill your medication. These programs will also electronically remind your physician when you need an updated refill, saving you time contacting your physician’s office.

If you have trouble paying for your medications speak to the pharmacist or your physician. Many pharmaceutical manufactures offer medication assistance.

If you are having side effects that impact your daily activities, notify your physician. Don’t stop taking your medication without speaking to your physician first, stopping some medications can have serious consequences.

Our goal at Witham is to help you achieve the healthiest you possible. If you need to establish with a Primary Care Provider you can go to Withamdoc.org to find a Witham Primary Care physician.

Geni Klayer, RN, BSN, MBA, MJ 
Executive Director, Physician Practices 
Witham Health Services