Script Your Future Take the Pledge Take Your

Script Your Future Take the Pledge. Take Your Meds A Campaign of the National Consumers League

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…

Assess: When you miss your medication, which one do you miss and how often do you miss it? Engage: Why do you miss your medicine? What makes it difficult for you to take your medicine? Resolve: Based on the reasons, find a solution

Solutions: From Low Tech to High Tech For this… Forgetting to take a dose Try this. . 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, Place medicine reminders where they might be out of mind seen easier: kitchen table, night stand Running out of Request refills ahead of time, enroll in an automedicines refill program, sign up to receive refills all at the same time at the pharmacy

When the issue isn’t about forgetting… I don’t know what my medicine is for I’m afraid to take my medicine because… Do I have to take this medicine forever? This medicine is too expensive for me Can I take this medicine with others? What will this medicine do for me? This medicine is too hard for me to take I don’t understand how to take this medicine

Don’t go it alone! Ask your pharmacist, doctor or other health care professional Be informed List your questions Ask your questions and get them answered

Tips 1. Don’t be shy. Ask your doctor or 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 vitamins? 6. 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. Script. Your. Future. 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. Script. Your. Future. org provides tools and resources to help you take your medicine and take back your future.

Thank you! www. scriptyourfuture. org