Pharmacy Times September 18, 2024
Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh

Reasons include fear of adverse effects, lack of education, polypharmacy, and others

Medication nonadherence, which is when patients do not take their medication as prescribed, is a major contributor to poor patient outcomes. Estimates suggest that patients are nonadherent to their medications approximately 50% of the time.1 This has added consequences for those with chronic diseases.

Surprisingly, most nonadherence is intentional. Patients make a conscious decision not to take their medications based on knowledge, experience, and beliefs.2

Common Reasons for Nonadherence

Fear

Fear, either realistic or unfounded, is responsible for a large portion of patients’ nonadherence. Fear of adverse effects is common because patients may have experienced them while previously taking the drug or a similar medication. Patients also may...

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Topics: Healthcare System, Patient / Consumer, Provider, Safety
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