Condition Critical: Compliance and Persistence with Osteoporosis Medications
Since the introduction of alendronate as the first bisphosphonate approved for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, compliance and persistence with osteoporosis medications has been a serious problem for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Initially, it seemed as though forgetfulness was most problematic in influencing patients not to take medications as directed. However, studies began to show that intentional nonadherence-that is, choosing deliberately not to take a medication-is what is driving poor medication-related behaviors. Extended dosing intervals, different drug delivery methods, and other changes seem not to have improved how patients take their medicine, especially not for an asymptomatic disease. In addition, primary nonadherence (never filling the prescription) may account for over one-quarter of the problems we face in trying to treat this devastating disease. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
