Nine out of 10 upstate New York adults believe that taking medications as prescribed is “very important” or “extremely important,” yet four out of 10 missed one or more doses of medications they were prescribed, according to a survey commissioned by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
According to a 2019 survey of upstate New York adults commissioned by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, 9 out of 10 upstate New York adults believe that taking medications as prescribed is “very important” or “extremely important”, yet 4 out of 10 do not take their medication as prescribed.
An estimated 3 out of 4 Americans don’t take their medication as directed
Poor medication adherence takes the lives of 125,000 Americans annually and results in $300 billion a year in additional health care spending
It may seem like a small misstep to not take medication correctly, but the repercussions of not taking medication as directed can be severe. Taking your medication as directed helps you avoid illness and hospital stays.
Methods used to help take medication as prescribed
Fit into daily routine
Pill box/Alarm Clocks
Participate in pharmacy refill program
Spouse/partner/family member reminders
Reminder app on phone
Plan ahead for changes in daily routine
Keep a medication diary
Use home delivery for prescription drugs
Ask your pharmacy to organize medications in blister packaging, labeling them with “what to take, and when”
Although everyone who is on a medication should take it exactly how it is prescribed to them there are reasons for poor adherence.
If you have trouble taking your medication as directed, determine the reason(s) why. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medications. He or she can help you find solutions.
Reasons for poor medication adherence
They forget
Don’t have medications with them
Cost issues
Believe it’s not important to take every time
Don’t like the side effects
They’re feeling better and don’t feel they need it
When medications are taken as directed; health outcomes are improved, chronic conditions are successfully managed, precious health care dollars are used effectively and lives are saved.