The top 5 reasons you’re not taking your medication — and one big reason you should

Taking your medication as prescribed — exactly the way your doctor tells you to — is key to your long-term health. Especially if you are managing a chronic condition like asthma, depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, taking medications as directed can help control the progression of your disease.

In a recent study, patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol who took their medication as directed had fewer emergency department visits and fewer inpatient hospitalizations.

Many things can get in the way of taking medication properly. Whether it’s concerns about cost or side effects, confusion about dosing, or just plain forgetfulness, our pharmacists at Express Scripts® Pharmacy are here to help break down the barriers standing in the way of your best health.

Forgetting doses

If you have trouble remembering to take your medication, using a weekly pill case can serve as a visual reminder. There are many different kinds to work with nearly any schedule or lifestyle. There are even alarms and timers for the top of your prescription vial. You can also take advantage of the dose reminder feature through the Express Scripts® Pharmacy app, or use any other calendar or reminder system that works for you. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations.

Running out

If you find yourself running out of medication, you can sign up for automatic refills or ask your doctor to write 90-day fills for the medications you take regularly. Read more about how to keep yourself from running out of medication.

Cutting costs

Being on a tight budget can make it tempting to skip doses or take less than what’s prescribed, but there are healthier ways to save on your prescriptions. Switch to generic medications and 90-day supplies, when you can. Use a home delivery pharmacy that offers free shipping or a preferred retail pharmacy, and look into prescription discount programs.

Worrying about effectiveness or side effects

Maybe you’re not sure if the medication is working, or perhaps you’re worried about side effects. Some medications can take several months to reach their full effectiveness, while others may be prescribed for preventive reasons. If you have any questions, your pharmacist can help you understand what to expect from your prescription medication.

Our pharmacists are here to help

Our pharmacists at Express Scripts® Pharmacy have helped patients through some challenging circumstances, including natural disasters, financial hardships, and life changes. If you’re having trouble taking your medication as directed for any reason, give us a call. Our specially trained pharmacists are available 24/7, so you can get the answers you need right when you need them.