“Medication adherence” means using a medicine the way your doctor recommends.
Here are seven ways to help you get the full benefit from the medications your doctor prescribes:
- Tell your doctor if you feel that you are not going to fill or take a prescribed medication for any reason, such as side effects, cost, difficulty swallowing pills, etc. Another option may be available.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take a medication.
- Follow directions exactly. One pill twice a day is not the same as two pills once a day. By following directions about when to take a medication, including what to do if you accidentally miss a dose, you will help to keep the proper level of medicine in your body.
- Read the instructions about whether your medicine should be taken before, during, or after meals and whether you should avoid certain foods, drinks, other medicines, or activities. Some medicines can be crushed or chewed; others must be swallowed whole.
- Fill your medications on time. If you have trouble remembering to order refills, contact your pharmacy to ask about refill programs or home delivery.
- Use assistive devices to help you to remember to take your medications on time each day. Items such as pill boxes, calendars, or alarms can be useful tools to provide reminders.
- Finish the full prescription; don’t stop taking it, even if you feel better, unless you check with your doctor first.
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