Medicines & Self-Care
Simple, realistic strategies to make taking your medicines easier — and where to find free NHS support when you need it.
If you have ever forgotten a tablet, skipped a dose because of side effects, or quietly stopped a medicine altogether, you are far from alone. NICE estimates that between a third and a half of medicines prescribed for long-term conditions are not taken as recommended. The good news? Small, practical changes can make a real difference — and you do not have to figure it out on your own.
First, work out why doses get missed
The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service describes two broad reasons people do not take medicines as prescribed. Unintentional non-adherence is when you want to take your medicine but practical barriers get in the way — forgetting, a confusing routine, or difficulty opening packaging. Intentional non-adherence is when you decide not to take it, often because of worries about side effects or doubts that it is helping.
Being honest with yourself about which applies to you matters, because the fixes are different. Forgetting needs reminders and routines. Doubts and worries need a conversation with your GP or pharmacist — not silence.
Anchor medicines to your daily routine
Habits stick best when attached to something you already do every day. Take your morning tablets when you put the kettle on; keep evening medicines beside your toothbrush. Pharmacists call this fitting medicines into your existing routine, and it is one of the most reliable ways to stop doses slipping through the cracks. Keep medicines somewhere visible to you — but always out of sight and reach of children.
Use tools that do the remembering for you
| Tool | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Phone alarms or medicine apps | A nudge at the right time, every time — personal and interactive reminders work best |
| Pill organiser (dosette box) | Shows at a glance whether today's dose has been taken |
| Medication reminder chart | Summarises what each medicine is for and when to take it |
| Family, friends or carers | A quick call or text reminder from someone you trust |
Ask whether your routine can be simplified
There is evidence that reducing the number of medicines, or how often you take them, can improve adherence. If you are juggling multiple doses at different times, ask your GP or pharmacist for a medication review. A once-daily option or a combination tablet may exist — but never change or stop a medicine without speaking to them first.
Starting something new? Use the free NHS New Medicine Service
If you are newly prescribed a medicine for an eligible long-term condition — such as high blood pressure, asthma, type 2 diabetes or, since October 2025, depression — community pharmacies in England offer the NHS New Medicine Service. It involves three private conversations with a pharmacist (in person or by phone) over the first few weeks, where you can raise concerns, side effects or practical problems.
Key Finding
Research behind the New Medicine Service shows pharmacist support in the first weeks of a new medicine increases adherence — translating into better health outcomes at lower overall cost to the NHS.
Never run out: order repeats in good time
Running out of tablets is one of the most avoidable causes of missed doses. You can order repeat prescriptions online through the NHS App or the NHS website and have them sent to a pharmacy of your choice — some offer delivery. Put a recurring reminder in your calendar to reorder about a week before your supply runs out, allowing time for your GP surgery to process the request.
Missed a Dose?
Do not panic and do not take a double dose to catch up. Check the patient information leaflet for what to do, and if you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or call NHS 111.
Talk honestly — it changes everything
NICE guidance is clear that adherence improves when patients are genuinely involved in decisions about their medicines. If side effects are troubling you, if the cost or routine is a struggle, or if you simply do not believe a medicine is working, say so. Your GP or pharmacist cannot fix a problem they do not know about — and there is almost always an alternative, an adjustment or extra support available.
Taking medicines reliably is not about willpower. It is about building a system — routines, reminders, timely reordering and open conversations — that makes the right thing the easy thing.
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2009) Medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence (CG76). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg76 (Accessed: 11 June 2026).
NHS (no date) How to order a repeat prescription. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/how-to-order-a-repeat-prescription/ (Accessed: 11 June 2026).
NHS England (no date) NHS New Medicine Service. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/nhs-new-medicine-service/ (Accessed: 11 June 2026).
Specialist Pharmacy Service (2025) Defining and understanding medication adherence. Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/defining-and-understanding-medication-adherence/ (Accessed: 11 June 2026).
Specialist Pharmacy Service (2025) Reminding to take medicines: supporting adherence. Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/reminding-to-take-medicines-supporting-adherence/ (Accessed: 11 June 2026).
IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The content provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your GP before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you manage pre-existing conditions or take prescription medication.
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