Medications
Adherence importance
Your provider prescribes a medication using the best clinical knowledge. Having a medication prescribed does not always mean that it is being taken. Medication adherence is defined as taking medication as it is prescribed. Often, a patient will be labeled, “non-adherent” because they are not following the regimen laid out by their care team. Often the issue is that your provider may not know what difficulties you are experiencing. It is important for you to take an active role on your care team and to share anything related to your ability to take the medication with your provider. This will allow them to work with you to come up with the best plan for managing your diabetes. Listed below are some common challenges that you may have with taking medication as prescribed along with some tips for overcoming the challenge.
Not understanding why the medication is prescribed or how it works in the body.
Tip:
- Ask your provider or pharmacist or diabetes coach why a medication has been prescribed.
- Reach out to your Stability Health care team to find out more about your diabetes medications.
Forgetting to fill or take the prescription
Tip:
- Enlist a support person at home
- Try one of the many apps for tracking (link to med adherence apps)
- Sign up for automatic refills and notifications from your pharmacy
Medication is too expensive
Does your high deductible health insurance which has a lower monthly cost but a higher upfront cost for medications keep you from being able to fill medications regularly?
Tip:
- Ask if there are any copay cards. Often when a new medication is introduced to the market, the company will offer a lower cost through a copay card.
- Ask if there is a similar medication that your insurance may cover.
Too many adverse side effects lead to stopping the medication
Tip:
- Let your provider know immediately if you are experiencing any side effects
Too many different medications with different doses or timing causes confusion
Tip:
- Be honest with your provider and pharmacist. They are there to help you.
Bottom line: Work with your healthcare provider to make the plan that works for you.