Medication Regimens - Following Treatment Plans

Medication regimens refer to the prescribed schedules and dosages for taking medications as part of a treatment plan. Following a medication regimen is crucial for the effectiveness of the treatment and to prevent complications.

Medication Regimens FAQ

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How complex are medication regimens?

The complexity of medication regimens differs for each patient depending on the number and types of chronic disease states treated pharmacologically, number of medications used, as well as dosage forms used. It can be helpful for pharmacists to identify patients who could benefit from support in managing their medication regimens.

What is the simplest medication regimen?

There are important implications for adherence, patient safety and quality of life. The simplest medication regimen that meets the mutual and explicitly defined goals of patient and physician is surely the best one. Simplification must go beyond reducing the pill burden through combination pills.

How can Pharmacists help patients manage complex medication regimens?

In the community, successful medication therapy depends on patients managing complex medication regimens. To assist, pharmacists can sort patients on the basis of their regimen complexity and then tailor care appropriately.

How to simplify a medication regimen?

One way to simplify a medication regimen is by combining multiple medications into a single dosage form—or a “polypill”—to make it easier for patients to take their medications on time and as frequently as prescribed. Recent studies revealed that adherence to polypill regimens is significantly higher (84%) when compared to multiple pill regimens.

Do you have a complex medication regimen?

Having a complex medication regimen does mean that many people have become ‘experts’ at managing their medicines after a number of years. They are particularly adept at managing change in their regimen, being familiar with the services that are available to them and having learned many techniques to deal with change.

What are the guidelines for implementing medication management services?

The guidelines describe best practice for implementation of medication management services and are not intended to provide any clinical information. It is the responsibility of individual pharmacists to maintain their clinical skills, knowledge and competency.

What is medication management?

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT is a component of treatment burden experienced by people with multimorbidity.1 Burden can arise as a result of needing to access, administer and monitor medications, and through experiencing adverse medication events. This burden is exacerbated by the use of complex medication regimens.