The latest findings of research by the National Prescribing Service which shows nearly a third of Australians forget to take their medications presents an unnecessarily high-risk level which can be addressed in part by pharmacists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia says.

The NPS findings reveal 29% of Australians sometimes forget to take their medicine but 67% never intentionally miss a dose (67%) and 71% take less than instructed (71%).

Acting President of the PSA, Grant Kardachi, said medication compliance was a major concern as failure to take medicines properly often led to hospitalisations.

"This is a figure that can be lowered by consumers and pharmacists talking and examining what some of the issues are," Mr Kardachi said.

"Once identified, the pharmacist can help with medication plans that can include the use of dose administration aids which have been shown to have a very beneficial impact on helping improve compliance."

Mr Kardachi said Home Medicines Reviews undertaken by pharmacists also could uncover compliance problems and implement plans, including the use of dose administration aids, to help address the issue.

"Pharmacists are the most accessible health professionals so consumers can approach them and discuss their medications, usually even without the need for an appointment.

"Pharmacists are the medication experts and so consumers can be confident that the advice they are given is accurate and appropriate to their particular circumstances and needs."

Mr Kardachi said the simple initiative of a talk between the pharmacist and consumer could have long-lasting and beneficial outcomes for the health of the consumer.

"Every year in Australia, medication misadventure results in more than 400,000 visits to general practitioners and about 190,000 hospital admissions. We can, and must, reduce that number - and pharmacists are the key to achieving that."

Source:
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia