Top 10 Reasons People Don't Take Their Medication

Did you know that about half of Americans don't take medications properly as directed by their doctors, and 19% don't even fill their prescriptions?

For people with ulcerative colitis (UC), taking medication as prescribed offers many benefits, including the possibility to maintain remission and help them feel more like their normal selves. Yet, many don't take their prescribed therapy and as a result may experience flare-ups.

Here are some common reasons why patients may not adhere to their doctors' recommendations:

1. I don't understand why I should take medication when I feel fine.
Once the symptoms of active disease are under control and patients are feeling fine, many taper off the medication or stop taking it – thinking their disease is cured. But there is no cure for UC except surgical removal of the colon. Taking the medication may lengthen your time in remission and help prevent future flare-ups.

2. I try to take my medication regularly, but sometimes I forget.
Taking your medication as prescribed can make you less likely to develop a flare-up. If you consistently forget to take your medication as prescribed, talk to your doctor honestly about it. He or she will help you develop a plan to get you in the habit of taking it regularly.

3. My medication ran out and I didn't refill it.
Develop a system to make sure you don't run out of pills. You can put reminders in your planner or calendar, write a note on your medication bottle, or ask your pharmacy if they have a reminder program.

4. There are too many pills to take.
Dosages required to treat symptoms can vary among individuals and prescriptions. Make sure not to alter your treatment regimen without first checking with your doctor.

5. I only take my medication when I feel a flare-up is coming.
If your goal is to maintain remission, make taking medication a priority in your daily routine. It's often easier to keep ulcerative colitis under control than trying to get it into remission. Ask a friend or loved one to remind you to take your medication, place notes in visible areas, or keep the medications with items you frequently use. As always, be careful to keep it out of the reach of children.

6. I don't know when to take my medication.
Your doctor can help you identify the best time of the day to increase your chances of following your prescribed regimen. Some patients find it easier to take their medications at the same time every day. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there are any special instructions about taking your medication.

7. I don't like the way my medication makes me feel.
Sometimes what you think is a medication side effect may actually be a disease symptom or vice versa. Remember that medication is prescribed to help you feel better. If you think it's not helping you or making you feel worse, talk with your doctor. He or she can evaluate the possibility of modifying your treatment.

8. Taking medication reminds me I have a disease.
Millions of Americans have medical conditions that are managed with medication – you are not alone. Your medication is intended to help you with many ulcerative colitis symptoms. Taking your medication is a good reminder to do everything you can to stay well.

9. I don't understand why I need medication.
Medications such as Asacol work to help treat symptoms and/or maintain remission. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to understand how your particular medication helps treat your condition.

10. I don't know how these medications are affecting my body.
Your doctor can help put your mind at ease about side effects and prescribe the right medication for you. Medications can affect people in different ways, and when used to maintain remission, Asacol, one such medication, is generally well tolerated.

The above information was written by Stephen B. Hanauer, M.D. – one of the nation's leading experts in the field of gastroenterology and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Hanauer is a professor of medicine and clinical pharmacology and director of clinical research at the University of Chicago, IBD Research Center.