Take Your Meds – The Importance of Medicine Compliance

It is estimated that three out of four Americans do not take their medication as directed.

In fact, only about 60 percent of patients in developed countries are what is called medicine compliant or adherent.

There are many reasons why people don’t take their medicine as prescribed. Some don’t believe in taking medicine, don’t like the side effects, or prefer taking “healthier” supplements. Others think that, after a few pills, and feeling better, they don’t need to take the rest.

Some, especially those taking certain types of pain relief, especially opiates, may take more than they need, as these medicines are effective but highly addictive.

Still others don’t think they can afford expensive medicines and try to stretch them out as long as possible, taking one every second day, for example, rather than every day.

But most people just have trouble managing their medications. They are forgetful, get distracted or can’t keep track of what medicines they took and when. A harmless enough problem you may think.

But poor medication adherence takes the lives of 125,000 Americans annually, and costs the health care system nearly $300 billion a year. In fact, it is considered one of major issues in healthcare.

The pharmaceutical, insurance and healthcare industries, and the U.S. government are all trying to find solutions to this problem. Doctors or pharmacists are advised to take the time to talk to their patients about the medicines prescribed and discuss any concerns or confusions they may have. The cost of common medications has actually declined over the last few years and new legislation has closed the “doughnut-hole” coverage gap in the Medicare health benefit. There even is a medication adherence contest that honors medical students who come up with the most innovative ideas to help with medicine compliance.

Individual patients are advised to keep their prescription containers in a prominent place, sort the pills into containers that physically divide the doses up by day and time, and take advantage of technologies that can send you an alert or reminder …such as on a smartphone. Also, if cost is an issue, the patient or his/her caregiver should let the doctor or pharmacists know. There are programs that can help.

We at TowerView Health take this issue very seriously and we are trying to do our part, but we want to hear from you as well. Please add any ideas or suggestions to the “comment” section just below this blog or go to TowerViewHealth.com. We look forward to hearing from you.