Taking Medicines as Prescribed

Why Do Some People Have Trouble Taking Medicines?

People don't take medicines for many reasons. If you're having problems taking your medicines as prescribed, it may help to think about why you're having trouble. When your reasons are clear, you can find ways to deal with the problems. This may make it easier to take your medicines as your doctor wants you to.

Here are some common concerns about taking medicines, along with some ideas for dealing with them.

Concerns

"Medicines cause side effects that bother me."

"The medicine makes me feel worse."

" I think the medicine is making my health problem worse."

What you can do

• If side effects bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may be able to prescribe another medicine or suggest ways to reduce side effects. If an upset stomach is a problem, for example, ask if taking the medicine with food will help.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicine interactions. One medicine you are taking may change what another medicine does. This can cause worse side effects or make a problem worse.
• Ask your doctor if there are medicines you should not take. This includes supplements and herbal products.

For more information, see the topic Dealing With Medicine Side Effects and Interactions.

Concerns

"Medicine costs too much."

"I don't have insurance."

What you can do

• Don't use less of your medicine, such as taking half a dose or using it every other day. It's very important to take the medicine as your doctor tells you.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Is there a lower-cost medicine you can take? Can you use a generic medicine? Does your health plan offer lower-priced options? He or she may have other ideas that could save you money, such as buying in bulk or splitting pills.
• Shop around. The cost of a medicine can vary from one drugstore to another. You can also look into mail order and using the Internet.
• Call social services or religious groups for possible help, or get in touch with Medicaid, a government program that may be able to help you with medicine and treatment.
• Some drug companies offer help. Search the Internet for the drug or company name and "patient assistance program." If you're not sure about your medicine's name or who makes it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Make sure you are taking medicines that are covered by your health plan, if possible.
• Make lifestyle changes to improve your health. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and less fat and getting more exercise may help your health problem. This could mean that you need less medicine. Less medicine means lower costs.

Concerns

"It’s hard to keep track of so many medicines."

"I forget when and how to take all of these medicines."

"Sometimes I just forget to take my medicines."

What you can do

• Ask your doctor which medicines you are taking and why you are taking them, and then make a list. If you understand what you are taking and how it is helping you, it may be easier to stay on schedule. Complete a master list of medicines (What is a PDF document?), and keep it up to date. At every visit with your doctor, review your master list of medicines.
• Plan a daily schedule of medicines. Be sure you understand how much of each medicine to take and when to take each one. Put your schedule somewhere where you will always see it and where it’s easy to find. Take it along when you travel. Write down your medicine schedule in a daily planner that has spaces for hourly entries (What is a PDF document?).
• Use a pillbox. Get a pillbox that holds a week's worth of pills. This may be especially helpful if you are taking pills every other day.
• Remind yourself. Get sticky notes and post reminders to take your medicines near clocks or on the bathroom mirror. Use a wristwatch with an alarm, and set it when you need to take your medicine. Take the medicine when you do a daily task, such as brushing your teeth or making your coffee.
• Ask your doctor whether you can take a longer-acting medicine instead of a shorter-acting one. This means you'll be able to take fewer pills. This may make it easier for you to remember to take your medicines.
• Talk with your doctor about what you should do if you miss a dose of a medicine. Discuss what to do for each medicine—it may be different for each one.

Concerns

"I keep getting interrupted before I can take my medicine."

"My schedule keeps changing, so it's hard to remember to take my medicine."

What you can do

• Ask the person interrupting you to wait while you take your medicine.
• Keep your medicine in your hand. You will be more likely to take it later.
• Will the schedule change affect your medicine schedule? Be sure to make time to take your medicine.
• Place a reminder someplace where you will see it, such as in your car or on a house key.

Concern

"I run out of my medicine."

What you can do

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how long your medicine will last. Then mark on a calendar when you need to get a refill of your medicine.
• Ask your pharmacist if there are ways the pharmacy can remind you to refill your medicines so you don't run out.

Concerns

"I feel good, so I don't take my medicine."

"I don't think my medicine is working."

What you can do

• Remember that you feel good because you're taking the medicine.
• Remember, some health conditions, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, don't make you feel sick. But medicine still helps.
• Remember that some medicines do not help right away, but take time.
• Remember that your medicines can help you prevent complications that could happen because of your health problem.
• Talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Concerns

"I need to use an inhaler, but it's too hard to use."

"I have to give myself a shot, and it's hard for me."

What you can do

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use your inhaler. Using a device called a spacer may make it easier.
• Ask your doctor about medicines that don't require an inhaler.
• Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator for advice or tips on giving yourself shots.

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Author:	Ellie Rodgers Paul Lehnert	Last Updated: August 27, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist
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