Stay on Top of Your Prescriptions

It’s not always easy to take your medications on time. Life sometimes gets in the way of the best-laid plans. One day you look at your pillbox and realize you’re a few doses behind. 

Taking your medicine as prescribed, known as medication adherence, is important for controlling chronic health issues, treating temporary health problems, and staying well.

Find the Solution 

If you’re having trouble taking your medications when you’re supposed to, figure out why. Here are a few of the common reasons: 

• You’re taking many prescriptions and they’re hard to keep track of 
• You’re busy and it’s not always convenient 
• You’re not sure the medication is working 
• You don’t like the side effects 
• The cost is high 

It is not a good idea to take your medication differently than prescribed.   You put yourself at risk and you miss the benefits of your medication. 

What to do 
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico started the Pharmacists Adding Value and Expertise® (PAVE®) program to help our members with medication education. Local pharmacists may engage with members to help them understand and manage their disease state. The pharmacist works with a member to come up with a tailored plan. In addition to education, this may include setting reminders on phones or using pillboxes to help organize medications and improve adherence. 

What else can you do? 

• Know your pharmacy benefits. Go to getbluenm.com/pdp/pharmacies or getbluenm.com/mapd/pharmacies to find out what is covered. 
• If your medicine is too costly, ask if there is a generic choice or a less costly alternative. Also, use our Blue Cross MedicareRx (PDP)^SM or Blue Cross Medicare Advantage^SM preferred pharmacies when possible to save more. 
• If you’re having trouble with side effects, ask your doctor if there is a different medication you can try or how you might be able to reduce or prevent side effects. 
• If it’s hard to keep track of your medications, see if there is a way to simplify your dosing choices. Ask your pharmacist if they offer any kind of reminder service or can suggest a phone app or other service that can help you. 

Your medications play a vital role in keeping you healthy. If you’re having a problem, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  

Try to remember the three medication rights: 

• Right amount – take the right dose each day. 
• Right time – take your medication at the right time of day. 
• Right way – take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 

Check out Living365® for resources to manage your health and convenient access to local pharmacists and dietitians. 

Source: Why You Need to Take Your Medications as Prescribed or Instructed , FDA 

Important Plan Information

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Originally published May 10, 2019