Take meds as prescribed

Pharmaceutical companies can invest billions of dollars to bring a drug to market. Physicians can write prescriptions for these cutting-edge, life-saving drugs. Then, pharmacists carefully fill the prescribed medication. But it's all for naught if the patient fails to take his or her medication correctly.

A new government report suggests many Americans do not take their medicine as prescribed. For people with chronic illnesses, the complications can be life-threatening. On average, half of patients with illnesses such as heart disease and asthma skip or mess up their doses, according to a recent Associated Press report. This can result in trips to emergency rooms to treat cardiac issues or asthma attacks.

Some people quit taking their medicines because they feel better or they fear side effects. Others may be confused by the dosing information on prescription labels. Still others forget.

Average patients are in good company. One study determined that physicians themselves have difficulty adhering to their own prescriptions. Nearly 20 percent don't take their medications correctly.

Recognizing the health-care costs resulting from this problem, the federal government plans to embark on a campaign to persuade patients and their caregivers to improve on their compliance with prescription orders. Such an effort is long overdue. Improving compliance would not only help improve patients' health but lower health-care costs for issues that are largely preventable.

Although many front-line health-care providers are pinched for time during exams, they need to take the time to properly explain to patients how to take prescription drugs and the potential consequences for failing to do so.

When the baton is passed to pharmacies, they should prepare clear and readable dosing instructions. Pharmacists should also make sure that patients understand how and when to take their medications. This is particularly important for patients who take multiple medications.

Ultimately, patients are responsible for their own health. Modern medicine cannot cure or treat every disease, but there have been profound advances in pharmaceutical science that help people control chronic conditions, which can improve patients' quality of life and extend their longevity. Patients have to hold up their end of the bargain by taking their medicines as ordered.