What’s common between hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, thyroid, cholesterol, depression, epilepsy, allergies, Parkinson’s, etc.?
These are a few conditions that often require time-sensitive medications. Taking them promptly each day in the correct dosage and for the prescribed duration is essential for ensuring effectiveness and minimizing adverse side effects. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s study on ‘Medication Adherence for Chronic Disease Management*’, non-adherence to medication regimes may lead to higher rates of hospital admissions, suboptimal health outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs.
Further, let’s examine why it is crucial to take medications simultaneously each day, in the correct dose, and for the entire prescribed duration.
Here are the top 8 reasons
1. Achieve optimal drug levels consistently
2. Enhance the effectiveness of medications
3. Combat drug resistance
4. Minimize medication side effects
5. Enhance treatment plan adherence
6. Align with biological rhythms
7. Effectively manage chronic conditions
8. Prevent relapse or worsening of the condition
1. Achieve optimal drug levels consistently: Fluctuating medication levels can reduce effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Taking your medication at the same time every day helps to maintain a consistent level in your bloodstream, making it more effective.
2. Enhance the effectiveness of medications: Several medications must be taken regularly to maintain their therapeutic effect. They need a certain level of concentration to kill germs effectively. Missing your doses or not taking them on time can lead to suboptimal treatment, potentially allowing the infection to persist or worsen.
3. Combat drug resistance: When taking medications like antibiotics, it is critical to take the entire course as prescribed by your care provider. By doing so, you may prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria. If you do not follow it, some bacteria may survive and become antibiotic-resistant. This may make future infections harder to treat.
4. Minimize medication side effects: Fluctuating doses of certain medications can lead to increased side effects or adverse reactions. Hence, sticking to prescribed regimens to minimize side effects is best.
5. Enhance treatment plan adherence: Consistency in medication management can help you remember to take your medication on time and in the proper doses, reducing the likelihood of missed doses. It may also help you build a habit that can improve adherence to your treatment plan.
6. Align with biological rhythms: Some medications are more effective or better tolerated at specific times of the day or when taken at times that align with circadian rhythm (the physical, mental, and behavioral changes we experience over a 24-hour cycle). For example, depending on how your body’s circadian rhythms affect blood pressure, blood pressure medications might be more effective if taken in the morning or at night as prescribed by your care provider.
7. Effectively manage chronic conditions: Consistent medication is needed to manage symptoms and prevent complications in the case of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, etc. Improper medication management may increase the risk of severe health issues like heart attacks, strokes, or seizures.
8. Prevent relapse or worsening of condition: For certain health conditions such as depression or chronic pain, stopping medication abruptly or not taking it as prescribed by your care provider can cause a relapse or worsening of symptoms. Continuous and consistent medication use as prescribed by your care provider is vital to effectively manage symptoms and prevent the condition from deteriorating.
Now, how do you ensure consistency in medication management?
To ensure consistent timing, dosage, and duration of medication, you can set reminders on calendars, link to daily routines such as meals or bedtime routines, use a pill organizer, or keep a medication journal.
Sounds cumbersome, right?
However, it can get much easier with VARIDOSE, a smart medication reminder device that helps manage medication and tracks consumption effortlessly.
With VARIDOSE, you receive medication reminders, ensuring you never miss a dose. It helps minimize confusion with pill sorting, records your medication history, and keeps everyone informed—from your care provider to your family members.
Managing consistency in medication management with a smart medication reminder device
This smart medication reminder device helps track medication history, offering valuable insights into optimizing patient treatment plans. Additionally, VARIDOSE can seamlessly integrate with several healthcare Apps to enhance the continuum of care for patients. To experience the difference VARIDOSE can bring to your health routine, write to us at contact@pyxillhealth.com or call us at +91-8431850122.
source: