Delaying or not refilling a prescriptionDiscontinuing a medication before the therapy course is completedSkipping Doses, and taking more or less of a prescribed medicationAltering the dosing schedule or taking a pill at the wrong timeHolding on to partially used or expired medications, "just in case"

"Medication adherence is a significant problem for the US healthcare system, and as any healthcare provider will tell you 'drugs don't work in patients who don't take them,'" stated Thomas Menighan, APhA Executive Vice President and CEO. "Pharmacists are the medication experts and are specifically trained to help consumers with their medication issues and questions, including adherence. Your pharmacist can help you coordinate a better medication schedule and is available to discuss proper medication usage, food/drug interactions, side effects, dosing, generics and over-the-counter medications, compliance issues and more."  

Pharmacists also offer basic healthcare services such as blood pressure screenings and immunizations, to monitor and enhance a medication's effectiveness and increase the public's overall health. APhA encourages patients to speak with their pharmacist about available services and consultations. The association would also like remind consumers that it is important to use only one pharmacy and maintain an up-to-date medication list, which can facilitate the monitoring of healthcare progression and medication adherence.

SOURCE American Pharmacists Association