HEALTHY CAMELS
Newsletter
Volume 5, Issue 1
Gil Steiner, Editor
Fall 2010
This issue of the Healthy Camels Newsletter, written by Dr. Holly Causey, a Campbell University Community
Pharmacy Resident at Kerr Drug in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, is dedicated to the issue of adherence to
medications, immunizations, and health screenings. Our health is affected by compliance (also known as
adherence) to medications as well as adherence to receiving scheduled immunizations and screenings. By
adhering to medications and scheduled vaccinations, and undergoing routine health screenings, we can have
a proactive role in our healthcare.
Medication Non-Compliance
What exactly is “non-compliance?” Non compliance can include: skipping doses, taking someone else’s
medication, taking the wrong dose, not filling a prescription initially or when necessary, stopping a medication
without consulting with your physician, and taking the wrong dose. There are a multitude of reasons for noncompliance. Some of those reasons include: cost, fear of side effects, difficulty swallowing, forgetfulness,
confusing directions, belief that the drug is not working, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed by the
number of drugs prescribed.
Why is compliance to medications so important? Non-compliance to medications is an important issue since it
can negatively affect our health. Drugs cannot work in our bodies if we do not take them. According to a study
by the World Health Organization, about half of all patients take their medications as prescribed. This means
that roughly 50% of all patients do not take their medications as intended by their prescriber. This is a major
concern since poor medication adherence can result in disease progression as well as more healthcare costs
related to hospitalizations, trips to doctor’s offices, and additional medications.
What can I do to improve my compliance to medications? The best way to start is to ask your pharmacist,
doctor, or other healthcare providers about your medications. Questions you may want to focus on asking may
include what this drug is being used to treat, how long you should be on it, and what side effects you can
expect. Remember, your pharmacist and doctor are there to answer any questions you may have about your
medications. In addition, you may also want to consider keeping a list of medications with you. It may help to
use a pillbox if you have trouble remembering which medications to take and at what time. Lastly, if finances
are an issue for some of your medications, it may be worthwhile to talk to your pharmacist about any
prescription assistance programs that may be available or you can also visit www.helpingpatients.org.
Immunizations
It is important to stay current with immunizations since certain conditions and diseases may be prevented by
vaccinations. Vaccinations are recommended based on age, certain risk factors, and other medical conditions.
Some of these vaccines may be specifically indicated based on certain medical conditions. For instance, for
those with diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, and chronic alcoholism, it is recommended that these
patients receive a yearly influenza vaccine. Because they are indicated for individuals in certain age groups,
you should ask your doctor about the need for pneumococcal, shingles, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella),
tetanus & diphtheria, and Human Papillomavirus (cervical cancer) vaccines. The CDC also recommends that
all healthcare personnel receive a yearly influenza vaccine in addition to their other normal vaccinations. For
further information see the table on the next page or visit www.cdc.gov.
Have You Ever Asked Yourself…
• Can this medication cause side effects?
• What vaccinations should I receive since I’m diabetic?
• At what age should I start receiving a prostate cancer screening?
• How often should I be screened for colorectal cancer?
If you have any questions about your medications, immunizations, or health screenings, contact
The Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Drug Information Center-Ext 2701
Vaccination
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Influenza (Flu)
Pneumococcal vaccine
Who
Females ages 11 to 26
Ages 6 months and older
Includes patients with diabetes,
heart/lung/kidney/immune disease,
pregnant women
Those in contact with high risk patients
or who care for infants less than 6
months old
Adults 65 and older
Smokers and high risk adults
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
Men and women ages 19 to 49
Diphtheria/Tetanus Vaccine
Men and women up to age 65
Men and women age 65 or older
Adults age 60 and over
Varicella Zoster Vaccine (Shingles)
Frequency
3 vaccinations (one series)
Annually
Initial vaccination; no revaccination
Initial vaccination with revaccination 5
years later
1 time in place of Diptheria/Tetanus
Booster
Every 10 years
Single vaccination
Single vaccination; no revaccination
Health Screenings
Based on age and other factors, there are certain types of health screenings that you will want to be up-to-date
on based on your gender and/or age.
Screening
Breast Cancer
Screening
Cervical Cancer
Screening
Chlamydia Screening
Cholesterol Screening
Colorectal Cancer
Screening
Diabetes
HIV
Hypertension
Osteoporosis
Prostate Cancer
Who
Women ages 40 and over
Test
Mammogram
Women ages 40 and over
Physician Breast
Exam
Self Breast Exam
Pap Smear/Human
Papillomavirus
Women ages 20 and over
Women ages 21 to 65
Sexually active females
under age 25
All men and women age
20 and over
Men and women age 50
to 75
Men and women age 45
and over OR for those
with a BMI greater than
25 and 1 risk factor
All men and women
regardless of age
Women ages 65 and
over; may start at
menopause depending on
risk factors
Men age 50 and over
unless African American
then begin screening at
age 40
Lipid Panel
(includes LDL)
Screening
Colonoscopy
High Sensitivity
Stool Occult Blood
Testing
Flexible
Sigmoidoscopy
Fasting Plasma
Glucose , Random
Plasma Glucose, or
Hemoglobin A1c
Blood Pressure
Frequency
Annually
*May change to every 2 years for women
between ages 40 and 49
Annually
Monthly
Every 2 years - Pap test without HPV test
up to age 30 or
Every 3 years- Pap test with HPV test
after age 30
Annually
Every 5 years or more depending on
results
Every 10 years (preferred)
Annually
Every 5 years with high sensitivity stool
occult blood testing every 3 years
Every 3 years
1 time screening
Every 1-2 years
DXA (bone-density)
Baseline testing with follow-up based on
results
Digital Rectal Exam
(DRE) and Prostate
Specific Antigen
(PSE)
Annually
Tables adapted from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/Documents/Family_Health_Centers/adult-health-guidelines.pdf