Medipost Pharmacy
Media release
Don’t take a holiday from your medication
Pharmacist highlights severe risks of skipping doses
Wednesday, 18 December 2024, As the holiday season unfolds, it is time for relaxation, travel and taking a break from the daily grind for most of us. However, pharmacy professionals are issuing a vital reminder not to pause or neglect prescribed chronic medication amidst all the festive excitement.
While it’s tempting to let routines slide as we soak up the holiday spirit, skipping prescribed medication even briefly can lead to serious health issues. Missing doses can trigger a relapse of symptoms, cause withdrawal effects, or even result in life-threatening complications.
“The risks are real and serious. It is crucial to maintain your medication schedule to keep your health stable all year round,” warns Sameera Kumandan, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s first courier pharmacy.
Sameera Kumandan, pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy
Medipost Pharmacy’s priority is your health, dispensing and delivering medications to ensure your health remains optimal, no matter where you find yourself in South Africa. From chronic medications to over-the-counter essentials, South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy has got you covered.
“Chronic medications are crucial in managing conditions and preventing complications. So as you pack your bags, make sure your medication is part of your travel essentials,” emphasises Kumandan.
Why sticking to your prescribed medicine matters
• Avoid withdrawal symptoms: Interrupting your medication regimen can lead to withdrawal symptoms like
agitation, migraines, and restlessness. This is particularly true for medications affecting the brain and
central nervous system (CNS), such as antidepressants and opioids. Stopping these medications abruptly can
cause mood changes, irritability, anxiety, and other uncomfortable CNS-related symptoms.
• Prevent disease progression: Consistent medication use is crucial for managing conditions like high blood
pressure, diabetes, or epilepsy. Missing doses can lead to complications such as strokes, seizures, or
organ damage, highlighting the importance of sticking to your prescribed treatment regimen.
• Maintain treatment effectiveness: Inconsistent medication use can sometimes diminish effectiveness. For
instance, stopping and restarting antibiotics improperly can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making
future treatments less effective.
Risks of stopping medication
Kumandan highlights several conditions where missing doses could have serious consequences.
• Cardiac conditions: Stopping heart medication abruptly can lead to heart attacks or dangerously high blood
pressure.
• Diabetes: Skipping diabetes medication can cause high blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of a
diabetic coma or diabetic acidosis.
• Epilepsy: Missing doses might trigger seizures due to falling medication levels.
• Psychiatric conditions: Discontinuing psychiatric medications like antidepressants without guidance is
risky, as the resulting CNS-related withdrawal symptoms can significantly affect emotional stability and
overall health.
Safe solutions for medication concerns
“If you have concerns about your medication, don’t stop taking it without consulting your healthcare practitioner. Consider these alternatives instead,” suggests Kumandan.
• Plan ahead: Ensure you have enough medication to last through holidays or trips.
• Adjust with guidance: Consult your doctor for possible dosage or timing adjustments to minimise side
effects or address concerns.
• Use management tools: Utilise reminders, pill organisers or apps to maintain your regimen.
“If you’re planning to travel or have questions about managing your medication, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised advice,” Kumandan suggests.
Chronic medication is most effective when taken as prescribed without interruption. You can easily manage your medication with Medipost Pharmacy by sending a WhatsApp message to 012 426 4655 to register as a patient. This allows you to request medication dispensing, arrange for free courier delivery, and even redirect deliveries if needed. For more information, visit Medipost Pharmacy or email info@medipost.co.za.
“Chronic health conditions don’t take a holiday, and neither should your medication. Sticking to your prescribed regimen ensures you remain healthy and avoid complications. The best gift you can give yourself this season is a commitment to your health, no matter where your holiday takes you,” concludes Kumandan.
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact:
Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, or Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za