Prescription Drug Adherence
When your doctor prescribes you a medication, he or she should be very clear as to when and how to take the medication. Filling your prescriptions on time and taking them as directed leads to proper medication adherence. Medication adherence may not be easy for you if your finances are strained. Or, you may forget exactly when to take your medication, which can reduce its effectiveness. Medication adherence is especially important if you are prescribed an antibiotic. Failure to use antibiotics properly can worsen your symptoms or lead to antibiotic resistance. If you are unable to pay for your medicine, unsure of which medications to take, or dont remember when to take them, contact your doctor.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the most common side effects of prescription drugs?
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The most common side effects of prescription drugs - regardless of the type - are drowsiness, allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting and heart problems, such as heart palpitations. There are some medications, however, that can cause side effects that... Full Answer
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- Q How can I ensure that I am giving my child medicine correctly?
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Dr. Cindy Haines, Family MedicineFollow the directions to a "t" and make sure that you are using the dosing device that comes with that specific medication. Over or underdosing commonly occurs with inaccurate teaspoons or tablespoons used in lieu of a specific dosing device. Full Answer
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- Q What happens if my child doesn't finish a course of antibiotics?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIf your doctor prescribes your child antibiotics or other infection-fighting meds, it's imperative that you finish the dose and not stop early -- even if symptoms subside. Stopping early or taking the wrong amount can help the little buggers develop... Full Answer
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- Q How many adults admit not always taking their medications as prescribed?
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Three out of four adults acknowledge not always taking their medicines as directed. Poor adherence to medicines takes many forms, and nearly 75 percent of adults report engaging in one or more nonadherent behaviors. While the most common form of... Full Answer
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- Q Why should I use a pillbox?
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Dr. Jill Grimes, Family MedicineFinding a pill dispenser that works for you can simplify your life and increase your success with medication compliance. Many times doctors prescribe multiple medications: One is daily, another twice a day, and yet another may be before meals and... Full Answer
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- Q What is a prescription assistance program?
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Heart disease patients who do not take their medication as prescribed are at greatly increased risk of complications or coronary events such as heart attack. A common reason patients give for not taking their medication is that they cannot afford to... Full Answer
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- Q What happens if I stop taking my medications?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyMany people forget to take their medication or just decide to stop because they feel better or do not think the medicine is working. Learn why this is a problem in this video with Dr. Oz and Pharmacist Nancy Nkansah. Full Answer
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- Q What are the results of patients not taking medications as prescribed?
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Not taking medicines as prescribed increases health care costs and exacts a significant human toll. Poor adherence is associated with increased hospitalizations, nursing home admissions, physician visits, and avoidable healthcare costs. Relative... Full Answer
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- Q Does Spirulina interact with other medications?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacySpirulina can interact with other medications and nutritional supplements. However, the severity of the interaction, as well as the exact drugs with which it interacts, is unknown, and can vary between brands of spirulina. The U.S. Food and Drug... Full Answer
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- Q What is medication adherence?
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Medication adherence is the extent to which the patient follows the doctor’s instructions about the timing, dosage and frequency of prescribed medicines. Full Answer
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