But about half of all patients don’t take their medications as directed. And 1 in 5 of them never fill their prescriptions.

These are examples of nonadherence, and it happens for many reasons. Learn what they are and ways you or a loved one can stay on track.

Reason #1: You’re afraid of potential side effects.

What to do: ”Your pharmacist can be a great resource for you to talk about what to expect from your medication,” says Gabriela C. Cipriano, Pharm.D., BCACP, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher University and clinical pharmacist at the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center in Rochester, New York. “Medications will affect everyone differently, so it is important that you understand what these may be so you know what to look out for.”

Reason #2: You can’t get to the pharmacy.

What to do: If traveling to the pharmacy or going inside to get your prescription is a challenge for you, you can receive your medication via mail order. You can also use your pharmacy’s delivery or curbside pickup programs.

Reason #3: You feel better.

What to do: If your condition improves, you may think the problem has been fixed. But even if you feel better, it’s still important to continue treatment. “It’s important not to stop taking your medicine unless instructed by your pharmacist or doctor,” says Cipriano. “Stopping it abruptly may make you feel not so great and cause harm, depending on the medicine.”

DR. HEIDI SAYS: Have you heard about the Medication Therapy Management program? Qualified members receive a medication review to ensure they receive the most effective medications at the most manageable cost. Trained pharmacists and doctors will work with you so you get the best results. To learn more, call PerformRx at 1-888- 349-0501 (TTY/TDD: 1-888-765-6351).

Save money and time with mail-order delivery

For members with prescription drug coverage, your network mail-order delivery program provided by OptumRx® Home Delivery is an easy way to get the medications you take regularly shipped right to you. Log in to ibx.com/login or call 1-888-678-7015 (TTY/ TDD: 711) 24/7 to find out if your prescription is eligible and to change to mail order.

OptumRx is an Optum® company — an independent company that provides home delivery, specialty, and infusion pharmacy services. PerformRxSM is an independent company that performs medication therapy management services for members of Independence Blue Cross health plans.