What are some of the consequences of not taking medications properly?

Not taking medications properly leads to unnecessary hospital admissions, illness, and even deaths. It also costs the health care system millions of dollars every year. Some interesting statistics include the following:

• 10% of hospital admissions result directly from not taking medications as recommended
• about one-third of seniors admitted to the hospital had a history of not taking their medications properly
• not taking medications properly was a factor in 20% of preventable adverse reactions to medications
• adverse reactions to medications may be the one of the top 10 leading causes of death

However, there is a lot you can do to help take your medication as prescribed. Speak to your pharmacist to learn more about how to take your medication and what to do if you are having trouble using it as prescribed.