From the Guidelines
When starting a new medication, it is crucial to follow the specific dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as dosages can vary significantly based on the medication, condition, age, weight, and other health factors. The dosage of a new medication should be individualized to achieve the best response with the lowest effective dose. For instance, medications like phentermine for weight management may start at a dose of 15–37.5 mg orally once daily 1.
- The key factors influencing the starting dosage include the type of medication, the condition being treated, and patient-specific factors such as age and weight.
- Medications are often started at a lower dose and gradually increased to minimize side effects, allowing the body to adjust to the treatment.
- It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed, including the timing and duration, and never to adjust the dosage without consulting the healthcare provider.
- If concerning side effects are experienced, the healthcare provider should be contacted immediately rather than stopping the medication abruptly, as some medications require gradual discontinuation 1.
- The most recent and highest quality study, such as the one published in 2017 1, provides guidance on the recommended dosages for various medications, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans.
- For example, the recommended dosage of lorcaserin for chronic weight management is 10 mg twice daily, with the medication to be discontinued if 5% weight loss is not achieved after 12 weeks 1.
- Similarly, the dosage of liraglutide for chronic weight management starts at 0.6 mg daily for 1 week, with gradual increases until reaching 3.0 mg daily, and should be discontinued if a patient has not achieved 4% weight loss at 16 weeks 1.
From the Research
Recommended Dosage
When starting a new medication, it is essential to understand the recommended dosage to ensure safe and effective treatment.
- The patient's pharmacist can be an excellent resource for determining appropriate dosages, potential for interaction, and overlapping drugs 2.
- However, there is no specific information available on the recommended dosage for a new medication, as it depends on various factors such as the type of medication, patient's age, weight, and medical condition.
Patient Awareness and Compliance
Patient awareness about prescribed drugs is crucial for the success of the treatment.
- Studies have shown that patients who are aware of their medication regimen are more likely to comply with treatment recommendations 3, 4.
- A study found that 28.5% of patients had a good level of awareness about their prescribed drugs after a medical appointment, while 4.9% had a good level of awareness after drugs were distributed 4.
- Another study reported that 77% of elderly patients rated their compliance as 'good' (never miss doses) for their prescribed medications 5.
Medication Administration and Adherence
Medication administration and adherence are critical aspects of treatment.
- A study found that 26% of participants experienced difficulty administering or taking their new medicine, and 34% had forgotten a dose on at least one occasion 6.
- The same study reported that 8% of participants found it difficult to keep to the medication regimen, highlighting the need for support and guidance on medication administration and adherence 6.