Prescription medications are undoubtedly helpful in preventing aggravating medical symptoms, treating current medical issues, and even curing conditions completely. But, to work, they need to be taken as prescribed. Being aware of the dangers of not taking medication as it is intended can prevent a life-or-death situation in the future.

What Does it Mean to Take Medication As Prescribed?

A prescription is a direction by a doctor to take a specific medication. So, a prescription is not just a medication, it’s instructions on how a patient should take a specific medication. Taking a prescription “as prescribed” simply means to follow the instructions the doctor gave on a specific medication. Unfortunately, a large percentage of individuals do not take their medications as prescribed by their doctor for whatever reason. And, by doing so, put themselves at risk for a number of further problems.

Who Doesn’t Take Medication As Prescribed and Why?

There are a number of reasons an individual may not take a medication as prescribed. Common reasons include forgetting, not comprehending instructions, mixup of another medication, medication side effects, or inability to notice that a medication may be working. Additionally, patients may not be taking the medication their doctor has provided as prescribed because of the cost. Patients may skip doses or forgo treatment completely as a result of the high cost of medications and the inability to afford them. Regardless of the reason, it’s important individuals understand that they need to take their medications as prescribed every single day.

What’s the Danger of Not Taking Medication As Prescribed?

Whether the reason to skip a dose of medication is accidental or intentional, the results could be life-threatening. According to statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), up to half of all prescription medication treatment failures are a result of not taking medication as prescribed by a doctor. Additionally, 125 thousand people are said to die each year in the U.S. as a result of skipping or forgoing medication treatments. Some more statistics on the dangers of not taking medication as prescribed include:

• Newly written prescriptions are not filled at the pharmacy 20-30% of the time
• Prescriptions aren’t taken as a doctor intended up to half of the time
• Chronic disease prescription medication treatments decrease or cease after the first 6 months up to half the time
• Half of high blood pressure patients with prescription treatments stop taking medication as prescribed before long-term treatment can start

Some Tips to Taking Medications As Prescribed by Your Doctor

If the reason that you are skipping doses or treatment completely has nothing to do with finances, there are a few things you can do to help take treatment as prescribed. Some tips for staying on top of medication regimens include:

• Setting a medication schedule or alarm to take treatment at the same time each day
• Take medications each day congruently with another daily task like making a pot of coffee or brushing your teeth
• Assign a spot in your home for your medication and medication calendar. Keep track of every time you take a dose and write it on the calendar
• Buy and use a medication organizer so you know you’ve taken your pills each day. And, refill the organizer on the same day each week
• Ask your doctor if you forget about medication scheduling or have any questions about how to take your medication

Getting Help for Those Who Can’t Afford Medications

If you’re one of the individuals who skip or forgoes prescription medication treatment because you can’t afford to take the medication each day, there are other ways to find help. Prescription assistance programs are set in place to help patients prescribed medications afford treatment when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to as a result of minimal or no health insurance. To find out if you qualify for patient assistance through Advocate My Meds, please visit our website or give us a call today at 877-596-1604.