It’s not always easy to take medications on time. Life sometimes gets in the way of 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. It helps control chronic health issues, treat temporary health problems, and stay well.

Find a Solution 

If you’re having trouble taking your medications as directed, figure out why. A few common reasons derail many folks. For example, you may be: 

• Taking many prescriptions and find it hard to keep track 
• Busy and it’s not always convenient to take them
• Unsure about whether the medication is working 
• Worried about side effects 
• Having a hard time paying their cost 

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

Get Help 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas created the Pharmacists Adding Value and Expertise^® (PAVE^®) program to help our members with medication education. Local pharmacists engage with members to help them understand and manage their disease state. The pharmacist works one-on-one with a member to come up with a tailored plan that’s right for them. In addition to education, help may include setting reminders on phones or using pillboxes to help organize medications and improve adherence.

Other Tips 

What else can you do to improve your adherence?

• Know your pharmacy benefits. Go to getbluetx.com/pdp/pharmacies or getbluetx.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 option. Also, use 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. Find out if there are ways 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. 

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 these 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 5/10/2019; Revised 2020; 2021