It’s Important to Take Your Medications as Your Doctor Ordered

Medication non-adherence is a very common cause of uncontrolled chronic conditions. More than half the time, people do not take their medicines as prescribed. This can be very dangerous and can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations and visits to the Emergency Room – and can cost you more financially.

Taking your medicine as prescribed is important for controlling chronic health conditions, treating temporary conditions, and improving your overall long-term health and well-being. If you aren’t always taking your medications as your doctor prescribed, or if you’re not taking them at all, it could be because you don’t fully understand how they can help and what might happen if you don’t take them properly. Or, perhaps you aren’t able to afford them.  

“Too often, medications can become overwhelming, especially when more than one doctor or specialist is prescribing, said Nancy J. Rist, M.D., Assistant Medical Director Primary Care for the Crozer Health Medical Group. “My advice is to see your primary care provider and bring your bottles (all of them) along.  Throw them in a bag. Together, and one-by-one, each medication can be reviewed for purpose, side effects, dosing schedule, and cost.  There is nearly always a solution to every medication problem.”

Please don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the medications you’re taking – both prescription and over-the-counter. And speak to your doctor if you are unable to afford your medications, as they may be able to prescribe something less expensive.