Medication Adherence: Why you should do it
What is Medication Adherence?
Medication adherence is defined by the American Heart Association as taking your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, including schedule, dosage, and frequency. Hindi pwedeng every other day dahil busy or namamahalan ka. Medical adherence also means completing the entire prescription duration. Hindi sapat na tatlong araw mo lang inumin ang gamot mo samantalang sinabi ng doktor na dapat ay isang linggo.
Why is there Medication Adherence Gap in the Philippines?
Medication adherence is crucial for effective health care, yet, studies reveal that only around 66% of Filipinos practice medication compliance. This statistic paints a concerning picture for the Philippines because it reveals that a substantial portion of the population might not be getting the full benefits of their prescribed medication due to non-adherence. Let’s explore some of the reasons why Filipinos have struggles complying.
Budget hurdle – The high cost of medications is a leading cause of low medication adherence in the Philippines. Just like the example below, many Filipinos struggle to afford prescribed medication which often leads to skipping doses, rationing their supply, and even not taking medication.
Michael, 57 years old, has a tight budget and skimps on his maintenance medicine. In an effort to avoid missing a dose, Michael sometimes cuts a tablet in half to create a two-day supply. These are just examples of poor medication adherence which have a significant impact on one’s health.
Busy lifestyle – Individuals who have hectic everyday activities or inconsistent routines may find it difficult to keep track of their medication, leading to missed schedules and doses.
Aliya, 41 years old has been prescribed medication to lower her blood pressure. She filled the prescription, but she claims that her busy lifestyle prevents her from taking her medicine on time. Aliya forgets a dose here and there, and she sometimes skips a whole day.
Lack of proper knowledge – People who don’t understand the seriousness of their condition or how proper medication can help them, might be less motivated to take their medication consistently.
Mabel, 50 years old, has been diagnosed with high blood pressure but doesn’t see the point in taking her medication daily because she feels fine.
According to WebMD, hypertension is called a “silent killer” because it may not exhibit any symptoms. Moreso, skipping blood pressure pills can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, or other complications.
Side Effects – Unpleasant side effects can discourage individuals from taking their medication as prescribed.
Josie is a 45-year old woman who experiences dizziness when taking anti-hypertensive medication. Josie reduced the dosage without consulting her doctor because she was bothered by the side effect. Little does she know that altering prescribed medication can impact its effectiveness.
What Strategies Can Improve Medication Adherence?
Cost-saving options
Discuss switching to a generic brand of your prescribed medication with your doctor. Generic drugs and brand-name medicines contain the same active ingredients but the former have significantly lower costs.
Pharmacies like VidaCure offer affordable and quality medicine. You can also take advantage of their FREE consultation.
Reminders and pill organizers
Make use of prompts such as setting an alarm on your phone or using a medication reminder app.
Use a weekly pill organizer to keep track of your daily medication intake and avoid missed doses.
Empower yourself
Accepting your condition and the purpose of your medication can empower you to take charge of your health.
Communication is a big factor so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if there are things that you don’t understand about your medication, including potential side effects. If you have multiple medications, you can request an outline of your medication regimen to serve as your guide.
Bridging the Medication Adherence Gap
Medication adherence goes deeper than following your doctor’s prescribed medication. It’s a commitment to getting better. Focusing your efforts on overcoming the challenges of medication adherence can help you bridge the medication adherence gap and improve overall well-being.