Medication non-adherence (MNA) is when a health care provider orders a medication or treatment for a patient and the patient doesn’t take it. Like high blood pressure, it has been termed the “silent killer.”
MNA happens in approximately 50% of people who are prescribed medications. It can lead to increased and unnecessary hospitalizations and procedures, medical complications, disabilities and death. It is preventable once the health care provider explores, discusses and corrects the reasons and concerns with their patients.
MNA is more common in certain populations — those over 50 years of age, with dementia and memory loss, depressed, low income and procrastinators (“I will take it later” and forget to take medication). It can be impacted by engaging in conversations with others who don’t take their medications as ordered.
MNA is due to several factors. Patients may fear the side effects of the medication and wonder if it will be beneficial for their diagnosis.
There may be concern over the increased number of medications being taken on a daily basis and how patients feel after taking them (not feeling “in the present”). Patients may feel that they don’t need the medication (“not having symptoms”). There may be mistrust of the medical community. The same medication has been ordered for several of their friends and didn’t make a difference.
Patients don’t want to become dependent or “addicted” to medications. Prescriptions are not refilled and thus not taken due to their costs. Many patients can’t afford to pay for their medications even with insurance coverage. Those without health insurance coverage and unemployed struggle to pay for medications. Do they buy food and life essentials or medications?
What can be done to avoid medication non-adherence?
1. Speak to the prescribing health care provider regarding concerns about your medications.
2. Pay attention to the number of refills available on medications.
3. Refill prescriptions on time. Place reminders on calendars, phones and sticky notes.
4. Have caregivers and family members remind you of refills or refill medications for you.
5. Utilize daily medication reminders such as clocks, alarms, caregivers, family members and friends. Keep medications close by on a nightstand or in a pocket. Remember to keep medication out of reach of children and animals.
6. In case of emergency (you’re out of town, for instance), take the medication bottle to a pharmacy and, providing you have refills, they can fill the prescription or contact the prescribing doctor. You may be able to go to urgent care or a walk-in clinic and have the doctor there address your medical condition and refill the prescription.
7. If unable to afford medications, speak to your provider. Consult the pharmaceutical companies that supply your medications as well as foundations/nonprofit organizations that assist with costs and provide grants (American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, etc.).
Rev. Jiles Taylor-George, RN, BSN, MSN is native of Tallahatchie County. She is a Certified Family Caregiver Support Group Facilitator and Certified Grief Counselor.
