According to the World Health Center (WHO), medication adherence is the degree to which a person’s behavior corresponds with the agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider. This means if you are staying on top of your medications or not. Along with if you are taking them the way your doctor has prescribed. Staying on top of your medications is a big deal. You must take them correctly. Especially if you want your health to improve. Yet, it is sometimes overlooked. This issue is a widespread issue. One that goes across different medical conditions. Thus leading to treatment failures. In addition disease progression. As well as higher healthcare costs. In this blog, you will take a look at the importance of medication adherence. As well as tips to help you stay on track with your medications. As recommended by the National Library of Medicine and the American Heart Association. 

Why Does Medication Adherence Matter?

It does not matter if you are managing a chronic condition or recovering from a temporary illness. Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor is key. That way your treatment works. If you fail to do so, there can be various issues that come along. The following are different consequences that can arise from not being compliant with your medications: 

• Treatment Does Not Work: Medications are made to work best when you take them consistently. As well as with the correct dose. If you skip doses or take them at the wrong time, you can lower their effectiveness. Thus leading to bad symptom control. Along with poor disease management.
• Disease Advancement: Not taking your medicine correctly can lead many things. One main issue is your disease progressing. For example, if you have hypertension and do not take your medicine correctly this can lead to you having uncontrolled blood pressure. This can lead to bad health outcomes for you.
• Healthcare Costs: Not taking your medications as prescribed can lead to you having to go to the doctor more. In some cases even the hospital. This adds to you having more medical expenses. This not only places a bigger financial burden on you but also the healthcare system. 

Why Does This Happen?

You may be asking yourself, “Why is this such a common issue?” There are many reasons people do not want to be compliant with their medicine. It is different for everyone. The following are a few reasons people are not taking their medications properly:

• Misunderstanding: Often it is as simple as a misunderstanding. You may not know how and when you are supposed to take the medicine. In addition to not understanding the need for medicine in general.
• Complexity: You may have a lot of different medicines to take. If you have a complex regimen that has different frequencies it can get confusing.
• Side Effects: You may be less likely to take to your medications if you do not like the side effects. Along with not seeing them outweigh the benefits. If this is how you feel it is important to discuss this with your doctor.

Tips for Improving Adherence 

Luckily there are tips you can add to your routine. Here are some tips that will help you better your medication adherence: 

• Education and Communication: It helps to understand your medication and how it is supposed to help you. As well as the potential side effects. Knowing this helps foster adherence. You should feel comfortable talking about any concerns or challenges with your providers.
• Set Reminders: We live in a world where technology is at our fingertips. Use it! Download medication reminder apps. You can even just use the alarm on your phone. Pill organizers have also been known to help patients remember to take their medications.
• Support systems: Involve your family and friends. Having a loved one or caregiver to help you with your medication management can be a great help. They can give you extra support and hold you accountable.
• Regular Follow-Ups: Make sure you have regular visits with your doctors. At your appointments, your doctor can monitor your medication adherence. They can also make sure the medicine is effective. You also get the chance to talk about any concerns you may have.

Visit Clinicas

Staying on top of your medications plays a huge role in your overall health and well-being. It gives you better health outcomes. In addition to fewer complications down the road. To help you stay on track with your medications visit Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. today. Clinicas is committed to helping you manage your medications. Make an appointment with your Primary Care provider. That way they can give you tailored advice for your medication management. Also, be sure to utilize Clinicas Pharmacy Care Services. The Pharmacists at Clinicas are here for you. They can answer any additional questions you may have. You can find Clinicas pharmacy locations at the RSJ Health Center in Oxnard. In addition to the Ventura Health Center. If those are not convenient for you do not worry. Clinicas Pharmacy delivers to all 16 of the Clinicas Health Centers. That way you can get your medications easily. Take charge of your health today. Visit Clinicas to stay on track with your health and well-being.