Do you take your medications the way your doctor prescribes them? If not, what’s stopping you? You probably already know that there’s value in sticking to a medication regimen. Doing so consistently can help relieve symptoms, treat disease, and improve your quality of life. It can also minimize hospital admissions and unnecessary treatments, as well as reduce overall health expenses. For a good overview of medication adherence and why it’s often hard for patients to do as they’re told, pour yourself a glass of water and read here.

Especially as we get older, and are often taking multiple medications, there can be various reasons why we don’t comply. Factors can include forgetfulness, lacking financial means, uncomfortable medication side effects, or misinterpreting instructions. A recent scientific survey found that medication adherence in older patients is related to dosing frequency, the explanation of medication management, and a patient’s satisfaction with medication counseling. Another recent study published in JAMA examined the link between pharmacy closures and adherence to cardiovascular medication. The results found drastic declines in medication compliance amongst older adults when their pharmacies shut down.

Whatever the reason, there’s plenty you can do to establish a steady routine and stick to the plan. For starters, it’s essential to develop an open and trusting relationship with your health practitioners. Good communication is necessary to help clarify concerns about side effects and medication costs. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration recommends medication reminders like using daily dosing containers and writing/typing a schedule. They also suggest keeping your medication in plain sight. For example, keep morning medications by your toothbrush.

So don’t forget to talk to your pharmacist, along with setting up those medication reminders. To read more about medication adherence, click here and find some good suggestions here for apps and other products to help make sure you take your meds as recommended.