Taking medications as prescribed is one of the most effective ways to manage health conditions, prevent complications, and improve overall well-being. Yet, millions of people skip doses, stop medications early, or fail to fill prescriptions altogether. While these actions may seem harmless, they can have serious consequences.

Medications are prescribed for a reason — whether to treat an acute illness, manage a chronic condition, or prevent future health problems. When taken consistently and correctly, medications help:

• Control symptoms (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar, pain)
• Prevent disease progression
• Avoid hospitalizations
• Improve quality of life
• Reduce long-term healthcare costs

Even if you feel well, your medication may be working behind the scenes to keep you healthy. For example, statins lower cholesterol to prevent heart attacks and strokes, even though high cholesterol often has no symptoms. 

Skipping doses or stopping medications prematurely can lead to:

• Treatment failure: Incomplete antibiotic courses can allow infections to return or become resistant.
• Worsening of chronic conditions: Missing blood pressure or diabetes medications can lead to heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Some medications, like antidepressants, can cause anxiety, mood changes, and flu-like symptoms if stopped suddenly.
• Increased healthcare costs: Non-adherence leads to more doctor visits, hospitalizations, and emergency care.

According to the CDC, medication non-adherence contributes to 30–50% of chronic disease treatment failures and causes approximately 125,000 deaths annually in the U.S. 

People skip medications for various reasons:

• Feeling better and assuming the medication is no longer needed
• Side effects that are unpleasant or misunderstood
• Cost concerns, especially for long-term prescriptions
• Forgetfulness or complex medication schedules
• Lack of understanding about the medication’s purpose 

Here are practical strategies to help maintain your medication routine:

• Use a pill organizer to sort doses by day and time
• Set phone alarms or reminders
• Link medication to daily habits like brushing teeth or eating breakfast
• Ask about 90-day supplies or mail-order options
• Talk to your provider about side effects or cost concerns — they may offer alternatives or assistance programs 

Your doctor and pharmacist are key allies in your health journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express concerns, or request help managing your medications. Understanding why you’re taking each medication empowers you to make informed decisions and stick to your treatment plan.