Chronic diseases represent a major health problem in Brazil. They affect the majority of the population and affect even more the poorest population within the country. As Brazilian population is becoming older, it also increases the number of people with chronic diseases, making daily use of multiple medications. For adequate prescription and dispensing, and wise use of medication effective communication is essential. Patient must get information about his treatment as well as to inform health professionals about his perceptions during medication utilization. Communication on drug utilization cycle may present flaws, impeding efficacy of drug treatment. Ergonomics, a technology that deals with communication between men and other parts of a defined system can collaborate with health care research. This investigation is based on the hypothesis that communication problems present ta drug utilization are obstacles to wise selfmanagement of chronic diseases drug treatment. To investigate this hypothesis, the four techniques used were: bibliographic review, opened interviews, and focused interviews with chronic patients living in Mangueira, a low-income area in Rio de Janeiro City. Results confirmed previous investigation showing deep problems related communication on drug utilization cycle. It also presented many methods patients develop to overcome difficulties and enhance their drugs treatment.