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Patient Checklist

If you are considering stopping your treatment, you are not alone - up to half of people stop taking their treatment after only one year1,2,3. However, without regular medication, you increase your risk of breaking a bone which is not only painful, it can also have a significant impact on your way of life and your independence.

There are lots of reasons why people find it difficult to keep taking their medication regularly – do any of the common reasons people stop taking their medication apply to you?

I find taking my osteoporosis treatment interferes with my day-to-day life (for example, eating breakfast or having a lie-in)
I often feel too busy to take my osteoporosis treatment
My osteoporosis treatment gives me side-effects
I take other regular medication, as well as my osteoporosis treatment
I think taking regular medication is a burden
I find the way I have to take my treatment (the ‘dosing requirements’) disruptive
I don’t know for certain if my osteoporosis treatment is working
I don’t know enough about my medication, such as the benefits, side-effects or how long to take it for
I sometimes forget to take my medication
I am not in any pain so don’t need to take medication
I have taken osteoporosis treatment for a long time and feel well so there is no need for me to keep taking my medication
I feel healthy so only take my medication when I feel it is necessary
I broke a bone whilst taking my treatment
I would prefer a natural remedy instead of medication

If you have ticked any of the boxes above, it may be worth talking to your doctor or patient support group. Taking this checklist with you can start off the conversation, helping you to explain why staying on treatment is difficult and discuss what might make it easier. In the meantime, why not visit our hints and tips section for some ideas on how to stay on treatment.

Print the check list as PDF leaflet (PDF, 711.3 KB)

 

References:
1. Reginster JY and Rabenda V. Adherence to anti-osteoporotic treatment: Does it really matter? Future Rheumatol. 2006; 1 (1): 37-40
2. Cramer J, Amonkar MM, Hebborn A and Suppapanya N. Does dosing regimen impact persistence with bisphosphonate therapy among postmenopausal osteoporotic women? Journal Bone Mineral Research 2004; 19 Suppl 1: S448
3. Ettinger MP, Gallagher R, Amonkar M, Smith JC, and MacCosbe PE. Medication persistence is improved with less frequent dosing of bisphosphonates, but remains inadequate. Arthritis Rheum. 2004; 50 Suppl 1: S513
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