What Is Medication Adherence?
Medication adherence is taking medication as recommended by a healthcare provider.
On a broader scale, medication nonadherence has profound healthcare cost implications.
This can ultimately create higher copayments or increase your employer’s coverage costs.
This article discusses why medication is prescribed, how to best access medication, and tips for adherence.
Also, sticking to your prescribed treatment regimen is necessary for preventing some conditions from worsening over time.
Below we outline two common examples in which taking your prescribed medication is essential.
People with high cholesterol usuallydo not have any symptoms.
By day five, you’re feeling great.
Thinking you’re cured, you stop taking your medication.
Slowly but surely, the infection returns.
Antibioticsare designed to be taken for a specific length of time.
If you stop too soon, the bacteria can return, and you will feel sick again.
Antibiotics can have bothersome side effects, making it tempting to cut your treatment short.
In this case, you might talk to your healthcare provider.
They can change your antibiotic to one that you might tolerate better.
Finishing your complete antibiotic regimen is especially important in preventing antibiotic resistance.
Note that antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as thecold, flu, or COVID-19.
Most of the time, you should avoid stopping your antibiotic regimen early.
Several types of pharmaceutical treatments help prevent further complications and worsening of diseases.
Don’t be afraid to speak to your healthcare provider and ask questions.
Below are common reasons for medication nonadherence.
Ask your healthcare provider for generic medications if they are available for your condition(s).
Medicines that are available in generic form can result in significant cost savings.
In some cases, there may be no generic version available.
For example, Livalo is a brand-name statin medication used to treat high cholesterol.
There is currently no generic of Livalo.
Chances are, you may only experience mild side effects, if any.
However, some side effects can persist or become bothersome.
ACE inhibitors are known for causing adry coughthat can be unpleasant to many people.
Your first inclination may be to stop taking the offending medication.
Importantly, if you feel like you are experiencing a minor side effect, don’t panic.
Often, they will be able to help guide you through the next steps.
Some helpful tips include:
And remember, your healthcare team is there to help you.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to them with specific problems.
Pinpointing why you have trouble staying adherent can help you and your healthcare provider develop a more personalized solution.
And if you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
you’re able to take steps to take charge of your health.
Summary
Taking your medication as prescribed can affect your health both in the short-term and long-term.
Some medical conditions are not associated with symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Be open and honest about why you are having trouble sticking to your regimen.
They can help you work toward a solution.
A Word From Verywell
Taking medications may feel frustrating or unnecessary when you may not have symptoms.
Know that your healthcare provider cares about your current and future health and is trying to prevent complications.
Understanding why you are taking each medication can help you realize the importance of adherence.
They will be more than willing to help you adjust your regimen to ensure you achieve your best health.
World Health Organization.Adherence to long-term therapies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance facts.
Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.
Health Spending.How do prescription drug costs in the United States compare to other countries?
Health and Human Services.
