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Too often prescriptions are an afterthought;
tips offered for taking medications

From Business Psychology Associates
Idaho's Employee Assistance Provider
According to a survey conducted by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), nearly 75 percent of consumers admit they do not always take their prescription medications as directed.

The NCPA also estimated that the economic impact of patient non-adherence is $100 billion annually in increased hospitalizations, doctor visits, lab tests, and nursing home admissions. Key findings of the survey include the following:

· 49 percent forgot to take a prescribed medication
· 31 percent failed to fill a prescription they were given
· 24 percent took less than the recommended dosage
· 11 percent had substituted an over-the-counter medication instead of filling the prescription they were given

Quick Tips for Taking Medication (see PDF)
· Avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions, tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs like pain relievers or herbal medicines.
· If a medication is causing unpleasant side effects, work with your healthcare provider to figure out how you might eliminate or minimize the effects
· Keep a daily written log of when you take your medication and bring it with you to doctor appointments
· To help you keep your medications straight, use a weekly pillbox with separate compartments for each day of the week and different times of the day
· Try taking your medicine at the same time of day so it becomes routine
· Try to link taking your medicine with a particular activity, such as brushing your teeth
· Take does exactly as prescribed, and be sure to refill prescriptions on time