How an On-Site Pharmacy Can Help You Take Your Medicine

Researchers, scientists, and physicians have made some amazing advances in prescription medications, including breakthrough medications for hepatitis C, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia, to name a few.

Whether you’re taking one of these new drugs or you take tried-and-true medication for your high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic condition, the medicine only works if you take it and take it correctly.

Dr. Joseph Goin and our team of caring medical professionals here at Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas, know that a lot can go wrong with your medication routine after you leave our office. That’s one of the reasons we have a fully stocked and staffed pharmacy right here in our facility. Here’s why it makes such a big difference.

THE PROBLEM WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Prescription medications can ease your pain, stop your itch, clear your breathing, settle your stomach, and restore your health. But it can’t do any of those things unless you adhere to the doctor’s instructions.

In the medical field, we call this “nonadherence,” and it’s actually a bigger problem than you might think. Here are the three main ways nonadherence can sabotage your health.

1. YOU DON’T GET YOUR PRESCRIPTION FILLED

This may seem obvious, but if you never go to the pharmacy, you never get your medicine, which means you never take it. It won’t work unless you take it. Studies show that folks with chronic illness take less than 50% of their prescribed medications.

We understand that going to the pharmacy can be challenging, especially if you’re not feeling well. By providing a pharmacy here in our office, we make it convenient and simple to pick up your prescription without having to make another trip.

2. YOU STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION TOO SOON

Some medications are taken only as needed, but many must be taken until the prescription is completely gone. There are several reasons a person may stop taking their medicine prematurely, including:

• Miscommunication between the doctor, patient, and pharmacist
• Misconception about the medication
• Lack of motivation to take the medication
• Memory issues
• Physical problems, such as difficulty mastering an inhaler technique

Because our pharmacist works closely with Dr. Goin and our team, we are all on the same page when it comes to your medical care. We communicate regularly to make sure we are giving you the same instructions and that you are well informed about every aspect of your medication.

If you have questions or concerns about any of your medications, we are always happy to discuss them with you thoroughly and give you detailed information about why we have prescribed them and why you need them, so you can become an informed contributor to your own health care.

3. YOU’RE TAKING YOUR MEDICATION INCORRECTLY

The third type of nonadherence is not following instructions. This may be intentional, accidental, or situational, but whatever the reason, it can render your medication ineffective. If you miss doses of your medication, take it at the wrong time of day, or take more than you should, your condition may worsen.

Our on-site pharmacist helps reduce these nonadherence issues by patiently educating you about each medication and training you to use them when needed.

We also know that nonadherence is often an honest mistake. If you’re taking multiple medications, it can be difficult to manage them all. But we can help take the worry out of your daily routine by consolidating your prescriptions into a clear, easy-to-follow schedule.

DANGERS OF NONADHERENCE

Nonadherence leads to a slough of problems, including:

• Progression/worsening of your condition
• Medication waste
• Waste of money
• Higher-risk of need for hospital visits or nursing homes

But the most important reason for taking your medicine is to get better and stay well. At Calvary Urgent Care, Dr. Goin works closely with you and our on-site pharmacy to make sure you get your medication, understand your medication, and take your medication as prescribed.

That’s how our on-site pharmacy can help you take your medicine. If that sounds like a smart way to get better, schedule an appointment at Calvary Urgent Care today, and simplify your medication routine.