Summary
Nearly one in four Canadians skip doses, split pills, or don’t fill their prescriptions. Cost is the biggest barrier, but side effects, confusion, and forgetfulness also play a role. Support programs, simple routines, and open conversations with healthcare providers can help Canadians take their medications more reliably and protect their health.
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Nearly one in four Canadians report skipping doses, splitting pills, or not filling their prescriptions, according to a Heart and Stroke Foundation poll. The reasons vary, but the impact is the same — when medication routines break down, so does your health.
Cost Is the Biggest Barrier
For many Canadians, prescription drugs are simply too expensive. Without private or employer-based insurance, the cost can be overwhelming, especially for seniors in provinces like B.C. and Manitoba, where public drug coverage is limited.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation poll found that cost-related medication nonadherence is a persistent problem nationwide. Some Canadians ration their medication by skipping days or splitting pills to make prescriptions last longer, while others delay refilling or avoid filling them altogether.
According to the poll, 16 per cent Canadians don’t have enough health insurance coverage to meet their needs, 27 per cent struggle to afford their medications, and 28 per cent have had to make hard choices, like delaying paying rent, to pay for their meds.
Look For A Support Program
If the price of your medication is the biggest barrier, you may qualify for financial help directly from the company that makes it. Some pharmaceutical manufacturers offer patient support programs that can reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain prescriptions. They may provide discounts on your medication before you buy it or reimbursement for medication you’ve already purchased.
Some programs will even send you reminders to take your medication, so you don’t forget your next dose.
Most programs require you (or your doctor) to fill out an application, and eligibility often depends on your income, insurance status, and the type of medication. Some also include extra benefits like nurse support lines, medication delivery, or training on how to use your prescription properly.
To find out if a program exists for your medication, check the manufacturer’s website or ask your doctor or pharmacist, they often know which drugs have assistance available. For high-cost prescriptions, these programs can mean the difference between starting treatment and going without it.
Side Effects, Confusion, and Forgetfulness
Cost isn’t the only reason people stop taking their medications. The American Medical Association cites the most common reasons, which include:
- Experience unpleasant side effects that outweigh the perceived benefits.
- Fear of potential unpleasant side effects.
- Not understanding why the medication is needed or how it works.
- Stopping when symptoms improve, assuming treatment is no longer necessary.
- Feeling like the medication isn’t working.
- Forgetting doses or finding the routine too disruptive to daily life.
- Prescribed too many medications.
- Depression can make patients less likely to take their medication.
These factors can overlap. Maybe you already struggle to afford the medication and it causes unpleasant side effects. In such a case, it becomes easy to see why a patient is more likely to stop altogether.
When to Speak Up About Your Prescription
If your medication is causing more harm than good, or if the price is unmanageable, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. Possible solutions include switching to a lower-cost alternative if available, adjusting the dose, or simplifying your medication schedule to reduce the number of pills you take.
Helpful questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist include:
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Are there cheaper or simpler alternatives?
- What happens if I stop this medication?
Important: If you’re determined to stop taking a certain medication, it’s important to remember that you require medical guidance. Stopping “cold turkey” rather than tapering off certain medications may have serious detrimental effects such as withdrawal or a rebound or flare up of the original condition the drug was meant to treat in the first place.
Why Taking Medication on Schedule Matters
Many prescriptions, like antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and antidepressants, need to be taken consistently to work properly. Skipping doses can make them less effective or even dangerous, potentially leading to complications, hospital visits, or a return of symptoms.
If Forgetfulness is a Problem, Here are Some Tips:
If you find it hard to remember to take your medication as recommended, these strategies can help:
- Pair them with an existing routine. For example, take them right after brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.
- Get support from family or friends. Have someone check in with you at pill time.
- Use a medication tracker. This could be a pillbox, a calendar reminder, an app (like MediSafe) or an automatic dispenser.
Never Forget Your Meds Again
Live Fine Automatic Pill Dispenser
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Medication isn’t just about treating illness — it’s about maintaining your best possible health. If cost, side effects, or routine are barriers, your doctor or pharmacist can help you find a solution that works for your budget, your body, and your lifestyle.
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. To read about our editorial process, click here.
