This is quite a complain we all have heard all our lives and even we might have thought the same when we are ill or when one of our dearest people has fallen ill.
Not being well despite been under medication is a common scenario most patients face and this could be due to many reasons and the top most out of all is the lack of "Compliance" and Non - Adherence
Compliance and adherence have very subtle difference and in very simple terms it is the extent to which the patients behavior matches the recommendation of the prescriber, which means patients should take
- right medicine,
- in right dose,
- at right time,
- for the right duration and
- in the right route.
Non-adherence refers to unfilled prescriptions, incorrect dosing intervals, skipped dosages or premature cessation of medication.
Why not adhere?
There could be several reasons as to why patients do not adhere to the medication and this could be both intentional and unintentional
Intentional
- bad side effects
- lack of knowledge in proper administration technique - inhalers
- high cost of medicines
- not feeling well
- forgetful
- careless
- talk to the doctor or your pharmacist about side effects and they will help you with the side effects.
- talk to your pharmacist regarding administration techniques he may always help with demonstrations, leaflets, diagrams or even videos
- there are so many brands and generics available for the same drug and switching as instructed by the pharmacist can help you with the cost
- drugs are no Magic beans!!!! please continue medicine as you have been instructed for the right duration .... stopping medication as and when you want will do no good !!!
- use your smart phone to make reminders about your medication it will always be helpful. you may also use drug charts , pill boxes
Piumish - B.pharm - (USJ)
