Cost of Medication Non-Adherence

Cost-Related Medication Non-Adherence in the US

As we step further into the fray and journey into the world of healthcare, one startling revelation makes itself known – cost-related medication non-adherence is a reality that 1 in 6 US patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have to deal with, according to a recent article published by The American Journal of Managed Care.

Sounds alarming, right? Let’s delve further.

COPD, a progressive lung disease characterized by increasing breathlessness, is a significant player in the health sphere. It’s a condition that challenges the smooth running of everyday life and its management demands dedication. However, recent studies reveal, quite shockingly, that the affordability of medication has become a notable stumbling block in the fight against this disease.

The ugly reality that has come to light is that approximately 16.4% of US patients suffering from COPD do not strictly adhere to their medication regimen- not out of negligence, but out of the inability to cover the escalating costs of these medications. This cost-related medication non-adherence is a lighthouse illuminating the sometimes grim landscapes of our healthcare system.

The data paints a vivid picture of a health crisis that isn’t just affecting our population physically, but also weighing heavily on the wallets of those affected. It triggers questions about accessibility, affordability, and the dichotomy between health and wealth.

The plight of these patients caught in the distressing predicament of choosing between financial solvency and health gives us pause. Rather than just sit back and watch as the crisis unfolds, it is crucial that we work towards actionable solutions to address this issue.

The evidence is clear- cost-related medication non-adherence is not a minor concern. It’s a life-threatening impediment that demands immediate attention. Whether it’s policy changes, pricing reforms, or improved patient assistance programs – the time to act is now.

The most current research on medication non-compliance is prominently featured in the COPD study. Yet, COPD is just one among numerous therapeutic fields that confront comparable challenges.

Our white paper looks into the abandonment and discontinuation of specialty drugs to try and get further details on the data behind the crisis.

In the ever-evolving world of pharmaceuticals, industry-leading brands are increasingly facing unique challenges in the specialty drug market. Complexities such as conversion and payer issues have planted their roots not only within the pharmaceutical companies themselves, but also amongst the patients who depend on their therapies.

For instance, many patients who are deemed clinically suitable for therapy either never begin their treatment or prematurely discontinue it. Moreover, amongst those who do initiate treatment, there is an alarming variety in the timeframe to their first fill. This discrepancy can significantly decelerate progress in those who do not immediately fill their prescriptions.

While these hurdles are not specific to any single pharmaceutical company or therapy area, gaining a broader understanding and analysis of these issues has remained a challenge until now.

This white paper will map out an exploration through various topics:

  • The inconsistencies in conversions between life-saving and non-life-saving therapies.
  • The disparities within non-life-saving therapies themselves.
  • Potential reasons for conversion issues, such as challenges with enrollment, patient onboarding, insurance coverage, funding support, and operations.
  • The discrepancies within immunology therapies.
  • The introduction of companion apps powered by Brightlnsight that work to restore value.
  • How data insights from Claritas Rx can help pharmaceutical companies pinpoint areas of value leakage and validate as well as optimize their solutions.

With the advent of services and digital solutions, the pharmaceutical industry is poised for a transformative journey, one that prioritizes the patient’s experience above all else.