Missing prescription medications can lead to serious consequences

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Safer and more affordable medicine for all? How Pharmacogenomics may level the playing field Drug costs also affect younger people who may be responsible for a co-pay and a portion of their deductible early in the year. To cut costs, some patients may take half a prescribed dose so their prescription lasts twice as long. "But if they don't tell this to their provider, and their health condition doesn't improve, they may get prescribed a higher dose, which could then put them at risk for negative side effects," Haydo said. Other reasons for not taking prescription medication include a lack of understanding about a medication or a health condition. Also, some people stop taking certain medications when they don't notice a significant health change. "But with high blood pressure and cholesterol medicine, you don't feel any different until you have a problem," Mulder said. To overcome these barriers, "start by being honest with your provider or pharmacist," Haydo said. People should speak up when they don't understand a prescribed medication or their health condition, or when they're feeling overwhelmed by that information. People also should speak up when they can't afford their medications. The doctor or pharmacist may be able to find a more affordable medication that's just as effective. Other options include: Discount cards such as GoodRx that may help with the costs of some brand-name medications State-run programs such as PACE and PACENet for people 65 and older Patient Financial Services at Hershey Medical Center Children's Miracle Network and Four Diamonds Grant-funded programs for specific conditions, such as heart failure Several options also exist for people who want to take their medications but sometimes forget a dose. For younger adults, pill reminder apps can send a daily notification to a smartphone. "For others, a daily pill box will organize medication by day of the week so people don't miss a dose," Mulder said. Source: