One would think that older people forget to take their medications regularly compared to the younger. But, when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is the reverse.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually begins between the ages of 20 and 50 years and it affects women three times more than men. The course of the disease is not always predictable but if the medications are taken regularly as per schedule, it helps to keep the disease in control. People who have RA flares take the medications regularly because it helps to give them relief, but others often forget

Quite surprisingly, it is found that the younger patients do not adhere to their treatment schedule as much as the older ones. This is because younger patients are busy in their work and social lives whereas older patients are more vigilant about their health. They also have the time to follow a schedule in the day. Moreover, those who believe that medications are necessary tend to take their medicines as per schedule than others who do not.

Understanding why you tend to skip medicines

Generally speaking, sticking to the medication routine can be intentional or unintentional, including:

• Procrastination involving refilling prescriptions
• Cost issues
• Forgetting
• Concerns about the drugs themselves
• Complex regimen
• Not having faith in the doctor
• Physical problems

Additionally, it is seen that men often miss their doses compared to women.

Why is it important to take your medicines?

It will help to understand that taking medications in the prescribed regimen and on schedule is an important factor in providing relief in RA.

Scientific studies have found that there is a significant association between medication adherence and the disease flare during early-stage RA or in short disease duration.10 The optimum efficacy of drugs used for RA treatment needs patients to be fully adherent to their medication regimen.

So, if you don’t take your medicines as prescribed by the doctor, you can suffer from worsening of pain and possibly that of the disease. When pain and inflammation of RA flare up, it can be harder to suppress. So even if you’re feeling okay now, skipping medication may set you up for bigger problems later, even if you are feeling well now.

How can you improve your adherence of medicines?
Having understood the issues related to medication adherence in RA, let us see how these can be overcome:

Forgetfulness:One can use reminders like pill organizers, calendars, smartphone alarm or apps, medication charts or other innovative gimmicks.

Procrastination:Try getting a monthly or longer supply or home delivery, if available. If the doctor has asked you to see him at a certain time, follow that before continuing to take the earlier medication. He may need to monitor your condition.

Cost: Costs of some medicines can be prohibitive, but often here are some schemes or patient assistance programs available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to know more.

Side effects:It is hard to take a medication if you know it will upset your stomach, make you drowsy or cause other unwanted effects. But often the body gets acclimatised to the medicine. You can also talk to your doctor, who will advise you on some ways to consume the medications that may reduce the side effects.

Worry:If you are worried that a drug is dangerous or does not work as it should, have a discussion with your doctor. Learning about the action of the medication can help and makes it easier to follow directions.

Losing faith in the doctor:In chronic conditions like RA, there can be flares. This may make you doubt the doctor and the medicines he has given. In this situation, it is even more important to contact your doctor as he may modify your medicines to control the flare. Learn about your condition so that doubts such as these will not affect your decision making.

Self-image:In younger age, one does not wish to be classified as a sick person by the society. In order to hide your condition, you may tend to skip doses while in office or at a function. This can impact the action of the medicine on your body and hence the control of the disease condition. Instead, make it a routine, your well being is in your own hands.