T37.1X6

Clinical Causes: Lack of patient understanding about the importance of following dosage instructions Intentional reduction of dose due to side effects or fear of adverse reactions Poor medication adherence stemming from complex treatment regimens Financial barriers limiting access to complete dosages Forgetting or missing doses due to busy schedules or cognitive issues Inadequate communication between healthcare providers and patients Psychosocial factors such as depression or stigma associated with treatment

Key Symptoms: Persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment Signs of ongoing infection, such as cough, fever, or weight loss Possible development of drug resistance leading to more severe disease Side effects or adverse reactions if the dosage is improperly reduced General feelings of fatigue and malaise

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of underdosing often involves reviewing medication histories and adherence reports, alongside clinical assessments of symptom progression. Blood tests, sputum analysis, or imaging may be used to evaluate ongoing infection. Healthcare providers may also employ adherence monitoring tools such as pill counts, pharmacy refill records, or directly observed therapy to verify whether the patient is taking medications as prescribed.

Treatment Protocols: Addressing underdosing requires optimizing medication adherence through patient education, counseling, and support. Strategies include simplifying dosage regimens, managing side effects proactively, providing reminders or adherence tools, and fostering strong communication channels between patients and healthcare providers. In some cases, therapeutic drug monitoring may be utilized to ensure appropriate drug levels. Continuous follow-up and patient engagement are critical to prevent underdosing and improve treatment success.