Image by Jean Ryder

In a recent blog, Dr. Kevin Pho noted that up to 20% of first-time prescriptions written for patients are not filled. Reasons for this can include the expense of the medicine, concern regarding side effects, or even a fear of addiction. Another reason mentioned is the inability for some people to physically get to the pharmacy and have the prescription filled. This can be serious for some illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure, where getting your medicine in a timely fashion is important in the management of the illness.

So how do people overcome this obstacle? Here are some suggestions:

• Ask your doctor if they have some sample medications to give you when you leave the office.
• Make sure your insurance information is up to date to prevent delays in having the prescription filled.
• Ask the doctor to fax in your prescription to save you some time.
• If you are familiar with your pharmacy, try to avoid peak times when they are busy, especially at the end of the day.
• Have your medicines filled at the same pharmacy so there is a record of the other medications you are taking, and any concerns about interactions can be addressed at that time.
• If possible, enlist the help of a family member or neighbor who can drop off the prescription or pick up the medication for you.

What do you do in order to get your medications on time? Please share and let us know!