Were you recently prescribed a new set of medications by your doctor? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to remember? You’re not alone.
Studies show that about 50% of patients do not take their prescriptions as prescribed. In a local study, a total of 73 (77.7%) patients were adherent to their medication, while the remaining 21 participants (22.3%) were non-adherent to their medication. Medicine adherence is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the degree to which the person’s behavior corresponds with the agreed recommendations from a health care provider,” and this covers how you take your medications after your doctor hands over your prescription. Learn more about the basics of taking your medicines today.
Not all medicines are created equal and each of these pills may affect you differently than others. That is why it is important to adhere or comply with a prescribed treatment as much as possible to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
- Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor – Your overall health condition will be assessed, and the doctor will determine what medications you need to take, how often, and the proper dosage. Do not share or take medicines that were prescribed for another individual because your health needs differ.
- Take medication at the proper time - Set your timer to remind you not to miss a dose. You can also create a chart to monitor your intake if your treatment calls for multiple medications. Some medicines are best taken at certain times of the day and may require you to take them with meals. Ask your doctor on the best time to take any medication for maximum effect.
- Watch out for drug interactions – It is normal to experience a few side effects from your medicines, most especially if you just started taking them. You may read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for more detailed information regarding the product. Some common over-the-counter (OTC) pills like antihistamines may cause you to feel drowsy, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not to be taken with alcoholic beverages.
- Finish your prescriptions – This is most especially important when you are taking antibiotics, as it is required that you complete your prescription so that you can avoid developing antibiotic resistance. Do not suddenly stop taking your pills just because you are already feeling better. Extending a prescribed treatment more than its duration is also not recommended.
- Show up for your checkups – Your physician will need to know how your body is reacting to your current set of medications. Attending your scheduled checkups and undergoing the needed tests can quickly determine if you are on your way to recovery or if your doctor needs to adjust your prescription. Online check-ups are also available to make it easy for you to consult your doctor wherever you are.
- Store medicines in a cool and dry area/container – Proper storage of medicines can also affect its quality and efficacy. The general rule is to keep it away from direct sunlight and to place it in a secure location away from children. Do not take medicines that have been tampered with. Learn more about other medicine storage tips here.
- Travel with your medicines – Planning a short trip? Don’t forget to pack your essential medicines in your luggage! Make sure that all your vacation days are accounted for and bring a few extra pieces of your medicines in case you decide to extend your stay.
Remember, medicines that are approved by the Philippine FDA and other relevant regulatory organizations undergo stringent processes to ensure its efficacy and safety. Do not buy your health products from unauthorized resellers and always inspect the product packaging for any signs of tampering.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
Encabo, JT, Letran, RD, Matias, CM, et al. (2017). Medication Adherence Among Adult Hypertensive Patients in a Local Community in Caloocan City, Philippines. Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 41. 173-176.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safe-use-medicines-older-adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3191684/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068890/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-the-best-time-of-day-to-take-your-medication
https://www.drugs.com/article/safety-tips-stopping-meds.html
