Consistency Is Key With Medications July 30, 2025 We’ve all heard the phrase: Follow your doctor’s orders! Here’s why consistency is so important, especially with your prescribed medications. Consistently taking prescribed medications is crucial for effectively managing chronic conditions, leading to better overall health, reduced complications and improved quality of life. Taking drugs exactly as prescribed helps you maintain stable disease control and is a primary component of treatment success. “By taking prescriptions as your provider has recommended, you can prevent new or worsening health problems,” said Miranda Miller, director of Samaritan’s Value‑Based Care department. Megan Jones, director of Outpatient Pharmacies, added: “Receiving the appropriate dose of medication at the right time helps maintain therapeutic levels in your body.” According to Jones, a good medication routine is vital because every time drug levels fall out of range there is a chance of drug resistance or disease instability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 50% of patients stop taking their medications within one year of being prescribed. Of the 50% who continue taking their medications, 25% take them correctly and only 15% will refill as prescribed. Research has shown that not being consistent with medications leads to: Higher rates of hospital admissions. Increased illness and mortality. Poor health outcomes. Higher costs of care. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or congestive heart failure who take medications as prescribed are less likely to be hospitalized when compared to patients who don’t adhere to medication prescriptions. Knowledge Is Power — Ask Questions! When discussing medication consistency and adherence with your health care provider or pharmacist, important questions to ask are: How often should I take the medication? How long will it take for this medication to start working? What strategies can I use to remember to take my medication? What if there are troubling side effects that make me not want to take the medication? If you are symptom‑free and don’t feel like taking your medication anymore, or are having difficulty taking your medication as prescribed, talk with your provider or pharmacist. This may also be a good time to talk about possible drug interactions among the different prescribed medications you are taking. “Pharmacists are happy to help you understand your medications,” Jones said. “You can also call your primary care provider or leave a message on MyChart.”
