The importance of medication adherence for managing your condition
Medication adherence, or taking your medication as prescribed even when you’re feeling better, can help you make the most of your treatment and achieve your desired outcomes. Remember to keep taking your medicine even if your symptoms improve or subside.
Unfortunately, research reveals that a lot of people with chronic health conditions don't take their medication as prescribed. In Australia, only 60% of patients with chronic conditions adhere to their treatment. This is consistent with the global finding, suggesting that only 50% of patients adhere to long-term therapies.1,2
Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of medication adherence.
Practical strategies for medication management
Here are some simple strategies to help you remember to take your medication as prescribed:
Utilise pharmacy prescription reminder service
Many local pharmacies offer prescription reminder services. When you pick up your next supply of medication, inquire if your pharmacy provides this service. It can be a helpful tool to ensure timely refills and prevent gaps in medication.
Request appointment reminders from specialist clinics
Talk to the receptionist at your specialist clinic and inquire if they can send appointment reminders. These reminders can help you stay organised and ensure you don't miss any important consultations.
Use technology to set medication reminders
Leverage your smartphone's calendar or reminder features to set alerts for taking your medication as prescribed. This can be particularly useful for individuals with busy schedules or multiple medications.
Setting calendar reminders on your phone
Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, it is easy to set up calendar reminders on your phone.
Setting calendar reminders on iPhone
- Open the "Calendar" app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the "+" sign located at the top right corner of the screen to create a new event.
- Enter a title for your reminder, such as "Take Medication".
- Select the date and time for the reminder by tapping on the respective fields. You can choose the specific date and time when you need to take your medication.
- If you want the reminder to repeat, tap on the "Repeat" option and select the desired frequency, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Set any additional options you prefer, such as adding an alert sound or adding notes to the reminder.
- Once you have configured all the necessary details, tap on "Done" to save the reminder.
- Your calendar reminder is now set, and you will receive a notification at the specified time to remind you to take your medication.
Setting calendar reminders on Android
- Open the "Calendar" app on your Android device.
- Tap on the "+" sign or the "Add Event" button to create a new event.
- Enter a title for your reminder, such as "Take Medication."
- Select the date and time for the reminder by tapping on the respective fields. Choose the specific date and time when you need to take your medication.
- If you want the reminder to repeat, tap on the "Repeat" option and select the desired frequency, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Set any additional options you prefer, such as adding an alert sound or adding notes to the reminder.
- Once you have configured all the necessary details, tap on "Save" or the checkmark icon to save the reminder.
- Your calendar reminder is now set, and you will receive a notification at the specified time to remind you to take your medication.
Please note that the steps mentioned above are general instructions and may vary slightly depending on the version of your iPhone or Android device.
By incorporating these practical strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly improve medication adherence and maintain better control over your chronic health condition.
References: 1. Laba TL et al. AJGP 2018;47(8):556–562. 2. World Health Organization. Adherence to long-term therapies: evidence for action (2003). Available from: iris.who.int/handle/10665/42682 Accessed: August 2025. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250060. August 2025.