Do you often forget to take your medications on time? Even using pill organizers, medication trackers, and access to many compounding pharmacies, medication adherence can still be challenging.
Studies show that approximately 30% of Canadians stop taking their medications before consulting their doctor or healthcare provider, and nearly 26% don’t follow their prescriptions correctly. This can lead to many complications and problems, which can significantly slow down the recovery of any patient. Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist is key to getting better results and fast recovery.
This is when a compounding pharmacy steps in to assist. A compounding pharmacy can make the medications easier to have by adjusting the flavors, forms, or dosages. This is why, at South Stormont Pharmacies, our compounding pharmacists safely mix different formulas. This makes it easier for you to take your medicines and not miss any doses, subsequently increasing medication adherence.
Keep reading to discover why proper medication management matters and explore useful tips to stay on track!
What is Medication Adherence and Why is it Important?
Medication adherence simply means taking your medications as your healthcare provider has prescribed them. Implying that you take them on time, for the full duration, and in the right dose. Being consistent is also important for your treatments to be effective and enhance your healing.
Medication adherence is crucial for achieving the desired health results. By following the treatment plan, you can make the medicines work better. This also helps lower the chance of side effects and problems.
WHO reports say only half of chronic patients in countries like Canada and the US take their medications properly.
Non-adherence can lead to worsened conditions, repeat visits to doctors or pharmacies, and increased costs. This is especially true for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Skipping even one dose can have serious effects.
Proper medication management is thus important. It can help you get the full benefit of the prescribed treatment and manage different health conditions.
Tips for Remembering to Take Your Medications
Medication adherence can be hard, especially with allergies and multiple medicines. However, using a pill organizer, medication tracker, compounding medications, and following target strategies can help. Here’s a list of tips you can use to enhance your medication adherence:
1. Create a Routine
First, make a daily routine and specify a certain time of day for taking your medicines. Pair this activity with a habit you regularly do, like brushing your teeth or having breakfast. A consistent routine will make it easier for you to remember to take your doses.
2. Use a Pill Organizer for Medication Adherence
A pill organizer is a simple tool for medication management. You can use it to organize your medications by day or week. This will help reduce confusion and ensure you never miss a dose.
At South Stormont Pharmacies, we suggest using a pill organizer. It can make your routine easier, especially if you take many prescriptions. By organizing your pills by day, you can stay consistent and confident with your medication schedule.
3. Set Medication Reminders
Use smartphone apps, alarms, or a medication tracker to set reminders. Use apps made for managing medication. You can log your doses, track your progress, and get refill reminders. If you prefer simplicity, just setting alarms on your phone can also be highly effective.
4. Use the Fewest Daily Doses Possible
Another great tip for medication adherence is to simplify your doses. You can work with compounding pharmacists and healthcare providers to use the fewest daily doses necessary.
At South Stormont pharmacies, our pharmacists can combine pills if safe for you and reduce the number of medications. By providing fewer pill combinations and personalized medication solutions, it becomes easier for you to manage your medications.
5. Tailor Medications to Fit Your Routine
To take your medicines on time and in the right doses, they should fit easily into your daily routine. We have expertise in creating personalized compounding solutions to make medication adherence easier for you.
At South Stormont Pharmacies, our pharmacists can adjust medications into forms that work for you. This includes liquid creams or dissolvable troches. If you’re someone who struggles with swallowing pills, we can provide you with liquid or patch alternatives.
If you have allergies or functional needs, we can help you customize these solutions. This way, you can stay consistent without extra stress.
6. Consolidate Refills Through Our Pharmacy
It can be overwhelming to manage multiple prescriptions and visit different pharmacies. However, that should not always be the case.
If you visit our pharmacy, we can combine your refills. We will make sure all your medicines are ready at the same time. This can make the process easy for you, help you stay on track, and reduce trips to the pharmacy. Additionally, it ensures that you never run out of your crucial medicines.
7. Track Your Medications
Use a medication tracker or a journal to keep track of your medicines and your progress. Keep a log of your medication doses and times. Visual trackers can simplify the process further.
You can also share your routine and tracker with your healthcare provider, and they can better assist you with making adjustments. You should keep track of missed medications and any side effects. This will help you talk to your doctor more effectively about your need for these medicines.
8. Consult Your Pharmacist for Medication Adherence
Lastly, consult your pharmacist, as they can be a valuable resource for your medication management. At South Stormont Pharmacies, we have an expert team of pharmacists who can advise you regarding improving your adherence. We can also suggest adjustments and alternative forms if you have unique health needs and conditions. Our team can simplify your medication routine.
How We Simplify Medication Adherence
At South Stormont Pharmacies, we make it easier for you to take your medicine. We provide customized prescriptions that match your preferences and lifestyle.
Whether you want liquid forms, creams, or single-dose combinations of the prescribed medications, we can create them. Moreover, you can also find medicines that are easier to take. These options may have fewer side effects than similar over the counter medication choices.
By offering tailored solutions, we make taking medications more convenient and less stressful. Our personalized approach ensures your regimen is easy to follow, improving your overall health outcomes.
Final Thoughts on Improving Your Medication Adherence
In conclusion, by using these tips, you can improve your medication adherence and protect your health. Use a pill organizer or a medication tracker, and consider personalized compounding solutions. At Long Sault Pharmacy or Pharmasave Ingleside Pharmacy, we are here to help you stay on track. We offer personalized formulas and doses just for you.
Contact us today to learn how our tailored options can make your life easier. We offer refills and customized medication forms to improve your well-being.
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