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Mayor · 01-20-2007, 06:44 PM

The beginning of a new year is traditionally a time when we make resolutions to improve our health—to quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise more. I have a suggestion for a New Year’s resolution for 2007 that is so simple it almost sounds silly—take your prescription medicines correctly.

Prescription medicines are powerful and, when taken correctly, can save lives. A new consumer survey released by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) found that an astounding three-quarters of people (74%) do not always take their prescriptions as directed. Many forget to take a medication, take less than the prescribed dosage, or stop taking it before the supply runs out. In more than half the cases, the patients made these decisions without talking to a health care professional.

Not taking the right drug, at the right time, in the right dose, or not taking it at all is referred to as non-adherence or noncompliance. Experts estimate that non-adherence costs the United States nearly $100 billion per year in extra medical costs. To patients, not taking medications properly can have dangerous, and potentially deadly, consequences including heart attacks, strokes, and amputations.

To improve adherence, the first step could be as close as your local pharmacist’s counter. Pharmacists are here to make sure you understand everything you need to know about your medication, including how and when to take it, what side effects are normal, and which ones signal a problem. Our unique training in how medications are made and how they interact with each other make us the best health care professional to talk to you about your medication regimen, and we’re often the most accessible.

Talk to your pharmacist, and find out if you’re taking your medications correctly. Make this one New Year’s resolution you make and keep.

If anyone has questions, please feel free to contact me.