Centre for Disease Control & Prevention, Fast Facts 2010;
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ahcd/namcs_summary/2010_namcs_web_tables.pdf
Empty. Again.
How to have a successful relationship with your pharmacist.
You play the most important role in managing your medications. Help your healthcare team provide you with seamless care:
Re-order in advance
Always reorder your medications at least 5 days in advance of running out. This can be done by phone. That way the pharmacy has time to follow up and resolve any issues that may arise, for example:
Insurance (coverage, prior approvals);
No refills; or
Medication is not available from the manufacturer.
Ask for Medication Packs to help you keep track
Medication packs are a great tool to help you stay organized. Rather than loading your own dosettes each week, ask your pharmacist to do that for you. There is no extra cost and we can pack up to 4 weeks at a time (based on your prescription and prescribers authorization).
Ask for refills.
Always ask your prescriber for enough refills to last you until your next appointment. If you get a new prescription that has changes, talk to your prescriber about when you can start it. Some dose adjustments can be changed as part of your regularly scheduled fill, even bubble packed medications.
Ask a pharmacist if you forget.
If you forget to take your dose of medication at the time indicated on your prescription label, call our pharmacist for advice.
Carry a list
Always bring a list of all your medications to your medical appointments. We can provide our patients with a printed medication list that is verified by a Pharmacist to make sure nothing is missed. Please call to request at least 24 hours in advance, or better yet, request a new one every time your medication regimen changes.
Non prescription items are important too.
You can ask Grand Medicine to also include certain non– prescription items in your bubble pack such as A.S.A or vitamins. The added benefit is that you and your healthcare team will have a complete picture of all your medications.
Start your medication pack on the actual day
If using bubble packs, start your bubble pack on the actual day of the week as indicated on the card. Make sure you complete the entire card before starting the next one. Take the contents of 1 bubble at the time of day as indicated on the card.
Learning to take routine medication routinely is a lot harder than you think.
It’s one thing for a physician to prescribe a medication, the next step is providing the tools that help be successful in taking medication as prescribed.
Drugs don’t work in people who don’t take them.
C. Everett Koop
Compliance. It’s more than just a good idea.
As many as 75 percent of patients (and 50 percent of chronically ill patients) fail to adhere to, or comply with physician prescribed treatment regimens.
The first months after you start taking long term medication are critical as that is when you develop habits that could impact your health. With medication used to treat chronic health conditions, it is important to take the medication as prescribed by your Doctor and as discussed with your Pharmacist.
The easiest way to develop good habits is to ask to have your medications packaged in a patient bubble pack card at least initially. The visual reminders will go a long way in developing successful routines. After a month, if you feel you have good compliance you can ask your pharmacist to package your medication in vials, or if you prefer, continue on with your bubble packs! This is the tool that can help you on the road to good compliance.