Patient use of drugs a concern

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Patient use of drugs a concern

3News NZ

By 3 News online staff

Modern medicine can treat or cure a number of diseases and conditions, if used properly.

But "Non-Compliance" or failing to use medicines according to instructions is a big issue for doctors and pharmacists.

The problem will be discussed at a conference on medicines starting in Auckland this morning, with Kevin Sheehy from Medicines New Zealand, an industry group that represents drug companies, one of those concerned by the issue.

Mr Sheehy says nearly half of all people do not use medicines as they are prescribed.

“People see it as compliance, rather than adherence, where a patient is involved in deciding the treatment program for them,” he told Firstline this morning.

Mr Sheehy says the industry, patient groups and health professionals must work together to fix the problem.

3 News

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Comments

9/10/2012 12:21:49 p.m.

Mia wrote:

@ dave well regardles of the strength of antibiotics it would have sorted out the thrush.. you would have had a lot to say if they thought they were treating thrush so gave a less strong antibiotic that needed a stronger one... DRs just cant win... its a process of elimination with medicine most of the time... so you want to talk about doctors perscribing unnecessary drugs, lets talk about the anti depressents and ridelin (dont know how to spell) that get handed out left right and centre.. not bloody antibiotics geeezzz

9/10/2012 10:34:50 a.m.

dave wrote:

Dr's need to stop prescribing unnecessary drugs. Wife was given a very strong dose of antibiotics to try and treat what turned out to be thrush...go figure.