What are some of the consequences of not taking medications properly?

Not taking medications as prescribed, also known as medication nonadherence, can have serious consequences:

  1. Health Risks: Nonadherence can lead to unnecessary complications related to a medical condition1. For instance, not keeping blood pressure in check can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure2.
  2. Increased Mortality: Poor medication adherence takes the lives of 125,000 Americans annually2.
  3. Increased Healthcare Costs: Nonadherence can lead to increased medical costs due to additional medical appointments, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations23. It also costs the health care system billions of dollars every year, in costs both direct (e.g., hospitalizations) and indirect (e.g., lost productivity)4.
  4. Reduced Effectiveness of Treatment: If symptoms are not present or resolve during treatment, a person may stop their treatment or alter their dosage — especially if the treatment is expensive, hard to take, or causes side effects5.

Remember, it’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any concerns or side effects you may have, as they can suggest how best to take your medications2.


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Why is it so important to take my medications?

Taking your medications as prescribed, also known as medication adherence, is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Disease Management: Medications help manage health conditions and diseases, improve quality of life, and can even be lifesaving1.
  2. Preventing Complications: Not taking your medicine as prescribed could lead to your disease getting worse, hospitalization, or even death2. For example, high blood pressure might not show symptoms, but if left untreated, it could lead to a heart attack or stroke3.
  3. Preventing Disease Progression: For patients prescribed medications for chronic diseases, after six months, the majority take less medication than prescribed or stop the medication altogether2. This could lead to the progression of the disease.
  4. Healthcare Costs: Medication nonadherence leads to poor health outcomes, increasing healthcare service utilization and overall healthcare costs3.

It’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any concerns or side effects you may have, as they can suggest how best to take your medications2. Remember, you play the most important part by taking all of your medications as directed2.


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