Script Your Future

A Campaign of the National Consumers League

2013-2014

What is Medication Adherence?

Taking your medication(s) EXACTLY as directed by your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional.

Are You Like Most People?

Why Is Adherence So Important?

• Fewer doctor visits• Fewer emergency room visits• Better quality of life• A longer and HEALTHIER life

Invest in YOURSELF, you are worth it!

How Can I Improve My Health with Medication Adherence?

Figure out the main reason why you are not taking your medicine

Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist or other health care

professional!

It begins with a conversation…

Solutions: From Low Tech to High Tech

For this… Try this..Forgetting to take a dose

A friendly reminder from a family member or others, pill box, medication schedule/alarms, calendar (paper, electronic, smart phone), email reminders

Not convenient Time your doses with an activity, carry a supply of medicines with you

Out of sight, out of mind

Place medicines where they might be seen easier: kitchen table, night stand

Running out of medicines

Request refills ahead of time, enroll in a auto-refill program

When the issue isn’t about forgetting…

Don’t go it alone!Ask your pharmacist, doctor or other health care professional

Tips1. Don’t be shy. Ask your pharmacist about what kind

of side effects to expect, and how long they should last.

2. Doctor, Doctor! Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working for you.

3. No secrets. Always tell your doctor if you stop taking your medication.

4. Portable health record. Keep an updated list of everything you take. Share this with your doctor and pharmacist.

Know the Questions to Ask Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist

1. What is the name of my medicine and what does it do?

2. How and when should I take my medicine and for how long?

3. What if I miss a dose of my medicine?4. Does my medicine have any side effects?5. Is my medicine safe to take with other

medicine or vitamins6. Can I stop taking my medicine if I feel better?

Tools• Develop a schedule or system that fits your

normal routine • Use a calendar• Use daily or weekly pill boxes• Use an alarm• Ask family members to remind you• Post reminder notes• Sign up for automatic refills and reminder

phone calls• www.ScriptYourFuture.org provides tools and

resources to help you take your medicine—like text message reminders

Visit www.scriptyourfuture.org

Take The Pledge. Take Your Meds.

Script Your Future Wallet Cards

I WILL Pledge

Script Your Future

• If you don’t take your medicine as directed, you’re putting your health and your future at risk.

• Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional! They are your most important partners.

• www.ScriptYourFuture.org provides tools and resources to help you take your medicine and take back your future.

Thank you!

www.scriptyourfuture.org