Taking medications regularly isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Despite a person’s best intentions to protect their health, real-life obstacles can get in the way: high costs, confusing instructions, tough side effects, or simply forgetting in the rush of daily life. Even understanding that medication is essential doesn’t make it easier for many people to follow through.
That’s where support systems like Health Access Now come in. By partnering with Prescription Assistance Programs in Alabama and other states, Health Access Now helps patients access life-saving medications that might otherwise be out of reach due to high costs. They take on the heavy lifting, simplifying the application and approval process so patients don’t have to worry about the logistics or expenses, just their health.
Here’s a closer look at ten common reasons people avoid taking their medications—and how to overcome these challenges.
Why Don’t Patients Adhere to Their Medication Regimens?
1. Cost of Medication
The high cost of prescription medications is one of the biggest reasons patients don’t stick to their treatment plans. Many people on fixed incomes or without insurance feel the pinch, often facing tough choices between essential living expenses and healthcare.
Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs), like those available through Health Access Now, help patients obtain affordable medications.
PAPs often partner with pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations to provide support. Health Access Now takes on the complex application process, so patients don’t have to navigate it alone.
2. Side Effects or Fear of Side Effects
Side effects—nausea, fatigue, weight gain—can significantly impact one’s quality of life, causing many to stop their medication after just a few doses. Some patients even delay starting their regimen out of fear of potential side effects.
Open communication with healthcare providers is essential to solving this issue. Patients should feel empowered to discuss any side effects they experience or fear, as providers can often adjust dosages or suggest alternative medications.
Knowing that side effects may lessen over time or be managed differently can help patients feel more comfortable staying on track.
3. Complex Dosing Schedules
Some medications have complex dosing instructions that make them challenging to follow, such as taking pills multiple times a day or coordinating doses around meals. This can lead to confusion or, more commonly, forgotten doses.
Speak to a healthcare provider to see if the regimen can be simplified, such as switching to an extended-release formula or adjusting doses for once-daily administration. For those who can’t alter their schedule, phone alarms, daily pill organizers, and even reminder apps can help keep things consistent.
4. Lack of Understanding about the Medication’s Purpose
When patients aren’t fully clear on why they’re taking a medication or how it benefits their health, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the treatment and unmotivated to stick with it.
Ask your doctors or pharmacists to explain each medication’s function, why it’s essential, and what might happen without it. Clear, jargon-free explanations can help people better understand and boost confidence in their treatment.
5. Forgetfulness
Everyone forgets things occasionally, but frequent forgetfulness can undermine medication treatment. This is especially true for chronic conditions requiring daily management, where missing doses can cause inconsistent results or complications.
Routines are incredibly helpful for combatting forgetfulness. Keeping medications in a visible spot or setting up a dedicated time each day for them can make a difference.
Moreover, apps, phone reminders, and visual cues (like pill organizers) are great tools for sticking to a consistent routine.
6. Skepticism about Effectiveness
Some patients may not be convinced their medication will help, particularly if they’re taking it to manage a condition without noticeable symptoms, like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Doubt can lead patients to deprioritize or skip doses altogether.
Providers can help by sharing data or personal stories that illustrate the medication’s effectiveness. Patients might also find it helpful to research credible sources on their own or to ask a pharmacist about what they can expect.
Knowing the long-term benefits of the medication can help patients feel more committed to taking it regularly.
7. Mental Health Challenges
Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can make it difficult for people to prioritize self-care. Depression, in particular, can diminish motivation, making it hard to stay on top of daily medications.
Those experiencing mental health challenges can benefit from small, achievable steps, such as starting with just one medication and adding in more routines gradually.
Involving a friend, family member, or support group can add encouragement, and discussing options with a healthcare provider can also open doors to additional resources or support.
8. Physical Difficulty Taking Medication
For some people, the physical act of taking medication can be difficult, whether due to issues swallowing pills, handling small objects, or using inhalers or injectables. These challenges can make daily treatment feel frustrating and even painful.
Alternative forms of medications are available, including liquids, dissolvable tablets, or patches, that may be easier to manage. Pharmacists can provide tools like pill splitters, medication cups, or specialized devices to aid in administration.
Discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider can open up options that make medication more manageable.
9. Misconceptions about Medications
With so much information available online, it’s easy for people to develop misconceptions about medications. Fears about dependency, exaggerated side effects, or misinformation about specific treatments can influence a person’s decision to avoid their medication.
Patients should seek accurate, science-based information from trusted healthcare providers instead of unreliable sources. Providers can preemptively address common myths and offer clear, evidence-based explanations, helping patients make proper decisions about their treatment.
10. Poor Communication with Healthcare Providers
When patients feel that their concerns are ignored or dismissed, it erodes their trust in their healthcare team and can make them less likely to follow prescribed treatment. A lack of open communication can lead to misunderstandings about medications or even full-blown non-adherence.
Patients should feel comfortable sharing their questions and concerns with their providers. Writing down questions before appointments can help, and providers can support this by actively listening and giving patients space to voice their thoughts.
Building a strong provider-patient relationship fosters trust and increases the likelihood of medication adherence.
Choose Health Access Now, the Best Alabama Prescription Assistance Program
If you’re spending over $50 per month on medications, Health Access Now can help! Since 2007, we’ve assisted over 50,000 consumers in accessing essential medications they couldn’t afford, saving more than $100 million through our streamlined approval process.
You pay nothing unless we save you money, and we handle all the complexities for you. Trust our experienced advocates to simplify your path to affordable prescriptions. Contact us today!