At Lakeside Medicine Centre, we understand how easy it can be to forget to take your medication, skip doses, or even stop taking them altogether. Life gets busy, and sometimes managing prescriptions can feel overwhelming. 

However, sticking to your prescribed medication regimen is one of the most important things you can do for your health. 

What Is Medication Adherence?

Medication adherence refers to whether patients take their prescribed medications exactly as directed by their healthcare providers. 

This includes following the correct dosage, taking medications at the prescribed times, and continuing the treatment for the recommended length of time. Adherence is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic effects of medications and maintaining overall health.

Why Is Medication Adherence So Important?

Effective Treatment: Medications are prescribed to treat specific conditions, manage symptoms, or prevent the worsening of diseases. Missing doses or not following the prescribed regimen can cause treatment to be less effective, leading to a longer recovery period, more severe symptoms, or a deterioration in health.

Avoiding Complications: Non-adherence can result in serious health complications, especially for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. These conditions often require continuous medication to keep them under control. Missing doses can increase the risk of complications, hospitalizations, or even death.

Preventing Drug Resistance: In some cases, like with antibiotics or antiviral medications, not completing your prescribed course can contribute to the development of drug resistance. This means the medication will no longer be effective, making it harder to treat the condition in the future.

Improving Overall Quality of Life: By sticking to your medication plan, you are taking an active role in managing your health. Consistent medication adherence helps you feel better, reduces symptoms, and can improve your quality of life over time.

The Risks of Non-Adherence

The risks of not adhering to your medication plan can be severe. Studies show that non-adherence contributes to increased hospitalizations, prolonged illness and poor health outcomes and increased risk of drug resistance in certain medications.

Even simple lapses in adherence can have significant consequences. For example, missing doses of medications for high blood pressure can lead to strokes or heart attacks, while missing doses for diabetes medication can result in dangerous blood sugar fluctuations.

Tips for Improving Medication Adherence

While it can be challenging to stay on track with your medication, there are several practical strategies that can help you maintain a consistent routine and avoid unnecessary complications.

Blister Packing: One simple yet effective way to stay on track is using blister packing. Many pharmacies, including Lakeside Medicine Centre, offer blister packing services. Blister packs organize your medications by day and time, which helps ensure you never miss a dose. With blister packing, you can see at a glance whether you've taken your medication or not. It’s a convenient and visual way to stay organized.

Autofill Services: Take advantage of autofill services that allow your pharmacy to automatically refill your prescriptions before they run out. This ensures you always have your medications on hand when you need them. At Lakeside Medicine Centre, we offer an easy-to-use autofill service, which means you won’t have to worry about running out of essential medications.

Set Reminders: Use your phone or a medication reminder app to set alarms or notifications for when it’s time to take your medications. There are many apps available that can help you track your doses, making it easier to remember your daily regimen.

Keep a Medication Journal: Keep a log of when you take your medications, and note any side effects or changes in how you feel. This can help you stay accountable and provide useful information to your doctor or pharmacist during check-ups.

Simplify Your Routine: If you have multiple medications, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to simplify your treatment plan. This might include consolidating medications into fewer doses or switching to medications with longer-acting formulas.

Partner with Your Pharmacist: Don’t be afraid to ask your pharmacist for help. At Lakeside Medicine Centre, our pharmacists are always ready to answer your questions, offer guidance on how to take your medications correctly, and discuss ways to make your treatment plan easier to follow.

Medication adherence is essential for managing your health and achieving the best possible outcomes from your treatment.

By understanding the importance of sticking to your prescribed medications, the risks of non-adherence, and adopting strategies like blister packing or autofill services, you can improve your chances of staying healthy and feeling your best.

At Lakeside Medicine Centre we are committed to helping you manage your medications effectively. If you have any questions or need assistance with your prescriptions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help you stay on track and achieve optimal health.