Doctors reveal common mistakes patients make with prescription medications

When it comes to prescription drugs, some doctors know that patients have trouble even if they follow the doctor’s orders.

“There are many mistakes patients make when taking medications,” says Dr. Sean Drake, a senior physician in internal medicine. henry ford health.

Whether it’s multiple pills or a single prescription drug, some patients can sometimes find themselves falling into habits that are difficult to break, doctors say. The more medications you add to your routine, the more complicated things can become.

“One of the most common things I see and hear from patients is just forgetfulness,” Drake said.

Forgetting to take medications is a common problem for some patients who take prescription medications several times a day.

Drake says, “A typical example is something that’s given three times a day. It’s very common for people to remember their first dose in the morning and remember their dose when they go to bed. A lot. , it’s that middle dose that’s the challenge.”

If you do not take prescribed medicines correctly, you risk side effects and other complications.

Additionally, some people do not follow directions for certain medications.

“Not following food regulations can cause a lot of problems,” Drake says.

Some medicines are affected by food, so it may be harder to absorb them on a full stomach. Some drugs become more effective while eating. It depends on the drug.

There are also common mistakes regarding proper storage.

“Storage can be an issue,” Drake said. “The classic one, keep it in the medicine cabinet, yeah, that’s what people always think about. It’s always in the bathroom. It makes the bathroom hot.”

Temperature can affect the effectiveness of medicines. The same goes for keeping medications in your car. Doctors advise against this.

Understanding the proper dosage of liquid medications can also be confusing for some people. Doctors recommend using an approved measuring cup with ML or milliliter markings. That way, you can be sure to pour the exact amount.

“Even a small mistake in dosage can have major consequences,” Drake says.

Some people stop taking the drug before their prescription runs out, or stop taking it when they feel better. Drake suggests being proactive and cautious.

“You should definitely talk to your health care provider,” Drake says. “I love coming off drugs as much as possible. Stopping things too quickly can cause problems.”

Some prescription drug habits can be difficult when affordability is a factor.

“Not being able to afford medicine is a big problem,” Drake said. “In some cases, you may not be able to take any medication at all. Or you may have to decide if you can take this medication this month and that next month. They’re not taking it in a way that makes sense.”

If affordability is a challenge, your doctor may recommend talking to your health care provider or pharmacist. We may be able to explore your options or suggest switching to a less expensive, generic form.

They may also be able to refer you to programs that can help you save money on prescriptions.

Your doctor may also recommend making a list of all medications you are taking. This list may be helpful to doctors and families in emergencies.

Your health care provider or pharmacist may help you print out a list of your medications.

Another common mistake Drake says he hears from patients is patients who admit to sharing their medications with family or friends.

He said that was a no-no. Among other things, the dosage may vary.