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 makes patients less likely to take their medicines as prescribed?
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Patients’ reasons for non-adherence are varied and complex, though researchers have identified some common predictors of poor adherence. These include: • psychological problems, particularly depression; • cognitive impairment; •... Full Answer
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- Q How does pharmacy benefit design affect patient's adherence to medicine?
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Pharmacy benefit design has an important, direct influence on adherence to medicines. Higher copays and restrictive benefits lead to a reduction in use of medicines and can increase total medical costs in the long run. A synthesis of the... Full Answer
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- Q Being allergic to sulfa, is there an alternative?
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Although many drugs contain sulfa - the sulfa-containing compound that commonly causes allergic reactions in people is found in drugs such as Bactrim (a common antibiotic), in thiazides (a common class of diuretics often used for high blood pressure),... Full Answer
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- Q Is the inkjet drug delivery system available to the general public?
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While this breakthrough technology shows promise, it must be proven safe and effective through tests overseen by the Food and Drug Administration before it can be made available on the commercial market. Besides its safety, its cost is another... Full Answer
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- Q So, how does inkjet technology figure into drug patches?
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In the drug patch using inkjet technology, the flow of drugs is controlled in the same way as the flow of ink is controlled in an inkjet printer. In the printer, the flow of ink is controlled through the printer head. In the medical patch, the follow of... Full Answer
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- Q What side effects does Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide cause?
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Based on information from iGuard.org, a free medication monitoring service, 20% of patients experience side effects while taking Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT). Some of the side effects reported by iGuard members include: Loss of... Full Answer
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- Q Can side effects of prescription drugs result in suicide?
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While it has not been officially established that Lariam can lead to suicidal thoughts and paranoia, Roche Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the drug, warns about the potential for patients using the drug have suicidal thoughts. Its warning also... Full Answer
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- Q Can compulsive behaviors be a side effect of medication?
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The side effects of some drugs may prompt people to radically change their behavior. For instance, some patients taking Mirapex began noticing behavioral problems they had not experienced before. Some occasional drinkers became heavy drinkers. People who... Full Answer
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- Q What medications can cause weird sleep behaviors?
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Chantix (generic name varenicline) Is a prescription drug prescribed to help people to kick the smoking habit. But some users also report having nightmares and night terrors. Night terrors are more than just scary dreams. People who have night terrors... Full Answer
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- Q How is the safety of herbs verified?
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Essentially, there is no oversight by the Federal Drug Administration over herbal ingredients. Anyone who can package, market and distribute products including herbal ingredients can do so, without regulation by the FDA. Thus, herbal supplement... Full Answer
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