In the medical community, there has been much press in the past few years related to the importance of drug adherence and its subsequent costs to the health care system. Drug adherence is a term that describes how closely patients take their medications to what was prescribed by their doctors. Did you know that 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed by their doctors? That 40% of patients on chronic medications do not refill their prescriptions and that 15-20% never got that first prescription filled at all? Would it surprise you to know that this results in over 300,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths in Canada each year – not to mention the billions of dollars spent to treat it? 

What’s the reason?
Why are Canadians resistant to following their doctor’s directions?  Well, there are many reasons why; some include forgetfulness, fear of side effects, mixing up complicated directions, taking multiple prescriptions, not understanding why they are taking the medication, or the consequences if they don’t. Since many of the most common causes of chronic illness you may be taking medication for have little or no signs at all you may feel well even as the disease continues to cause damage to your internal organs. This may cause patients to think they are ‘all better now’ and stop their medication without consulting their physician. However, taking medication as directed will keep you healthier – longer.

Making it easier
To ensure you are adhering to your doctor’s recommendations:

• Understand the health benefits of why you’re taking the medication. Be sure to speak to your primary health care provider and/or your pharmacist
• If you’re concerned about taking too many different medications and whether they work together – speak to your pharmacist. Your pharmacist will book a private consultation with you to review your medications and provide information to address any concerns you may have
• Do you have a hard time remembering to take your medication, or what to take when? If so there are systems available to help. Such as weekly or monthly Medication Reminder blister packs that the pharmacist creates to put each medication in its rightful place. Or Dosetts – packaging purchased at the pharmacy that you or your pharmacist can fill
• A new service from Rexall™ – ‘The Rexall Reminder’ call comes 5 days before your prescription is due to run out and gives you the opportunity to renew. This service is also available via email.