As the holiday season unfolds, it is time for relaxation, travel and taking a break from the daily grind for most of us. However, pharmacy professionals are issuing a vital reminder not to pause or neglect prescribed chronic medication amid all the festive excitement.
While it’s tempting to let routines slide as we soak up the holiday spirit, skipping prescribed medication even briefly can lead to serious health issues. Missing doses can trigger a relapse of symptoms, cause withdrawal effects or even result in life-threatening complications.
“The risks are real and serious. It is crucial to maintain your medication schedule to keep your health stable all-year round,” advises Sameera Kumandan, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s first courier pharmacy.
“Chronic medications are crucial in managing conditions and preventing complications. So as you pack your bags, make sure your medication is part of your travel essentials.”
Why sticking to your prescribed medicine matters
- Avoiding withdrawal symptoms: Interrupting your medication regimen can lead to withdrawal symptoms like agitation, migraines and restlessness. This is particularly true for medications affecting the brain and central nervous system (CNS), such as antidepressants and opioids. Stopping these medications abruptly can cause mood changes, irritability, anxiety and other uncomfortable CNS-related symptoms.
- Preventing disease progression: Consistent medication use is crucial for managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or epilepsy. Missing doses can lead to complications such as strokes, seizures or organ damage, highlighting the importance of sticking to your prescribed treatment regimen.
- Maintaining treatment effectiveness: Inconsistent medication use can sometimes diminish effectiveness. For instance, stopping and restarting antibiotics improperly can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future treatments less effective.
Risks of stopping medication
Kumandan highlights several conditions where missing doses could have serious consequences:
- Cardiac conditions: Stopping heart medication abruptly can lead to heart attacks or dangerously high blood pressure.
- Diabetes: Skipping diabetes medication can cause high blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of a diabetic coma or diabetic acidosis.
- Epilepsy: Missing doses may trigger seizures due to falling medication levels.
- Psychiatric conditions: Discontinuing psychiatric medications like antidepressants without guidance is risky, as the resulting CNS-related withdrawal symptoms can significantly affect emotional stability and overall health.
Safe solutions for medication concerns
Kumandan suggests that if you have concerns about your medication, don’t stop taking it without consulting your healthcare practitioner. Consider these alternatives instead:
- Plan ahead: Ensure you have enough medication to last through holidays or trips.
- Adjust with guidance: Consult your doctor for possible dosage or timing adjustments to minimise side effects or address concerns.
- Use management tools: Utilise reminders, pill organisers or apps to maintain your regimen.
“If you’re planning to travel or have questions about managing your medication, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised advice,” she says.
Chronic medication is most effective when taken as prescribed without interruption. You can easily manage your medication with Medipost Pharmacy by sending a WhatsApp message to 012 426 4655 to register as a patient. This allows you to request medication dispensing, arrange for free courier delivery and even redirect deliveries if needed.
“Chronic health conditions don’t take a holiday, and neither should your medication. Sticking to your prescribed regimen ensures you remain healthy and avoid complications. The best gift you can give yourself this season is a commitment to your health, no matter where your holiday takes you,” concludes Kumandan.
Medipost Pharmacy’s priority is your health, dispensing and delivering medications to ensure your health remains optimal, no matter where you find yourself in South Africa. From chronic medications to over-the-counter essentials, South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy has you covered.
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