7 Tips on Drug Adherence

Taking your medicine as prescribed (medication adherence) is important for controlling chronic conditions, treating temporary conditions, and overall long-term health and well-being.

A personal connection with your health-care provider or pharmacist is an important part of medication adherence as they can help suggest how best to take your medications.

 However, you play the most important role by taking all of your medications as directed.

Here are 7 tips that may help: 

1. Take your medication at the same time every day.
2. Tie taking your medications with a daily routine like brushing your teeth or getting ready for bed. Before choosing mealtime for your routine, check if your medication should be taken on a full or empty stomach.
3. Keep a “medicine calendar” with your pill bottles and note each time you take a dose.
4. Use a pill container. Some types have sections for multiple doses at different times, such as morning, evening, and night. When using a pill container, refill it at the same time each week or month. For example, every Monday morning after breakfast.
5. Set an alarm to go off when your next dose is due. You can't always trust your memory to remember, you might be busy atimes. An alarm will do the magic.
6. When travelling, be certain to bring enough of your medication, plus a few days extra, in case your return is delayed.
7. If you’re flying on plane, keep your medication in your carry-on bag to avoid lost luggage. Temperatures inside the cargo hold could damage your medication.

I believe with the above adherence to medication is ensured.