A patient was prescribed antibiotics for 5 days, but stopped taking them after just 2 days because the symptoms improved.
A few days later, the infection returned—this time more severe.
Many patients discontinue medicines once they feel better, without completing the prescribed course.
Why is this risky?
• Incomplete treatment
• Antibiotic resistance
• Recurrence of infection
Key message
Feeling better does not always mean the infection is completely gone. Completing the prescribed treatment is essential for better recovery and patient safety.
Why do you think medication adherence is still a challenge today?
Ignorance, doubts regarding treatment is working or not is also an important aspect where patients stop taking prescribed medications medications . They need to be specifically counselled about the duration of treatment and it’s importance.
Yes.. it’s biggest challenge to convience some patient to complete their appropriate dose of any medication..they are just not willing to understand how the medications are working and why we gave them this dose..but in counter act they just need a proper cure.. without their own support.
One of the main reasons for poor medication adherence is that patients experience symptomatic relief after taking medications for a few days and assume that the infection has completely resolved.
It’s important to counsel patients regarding the importance of completing the full course of prescribed medications, risk of developing antibiotic resistance and chances of recurrent infections.