November 5, 2008 
I have seen different statistics over the years, but I was shocked to come across a statistic that 20%-60% of patients being started on a new medication for a chronic condition will not fill the prescription. (Hutchins DS et. al. (2008). Uncovering Non-compliance to Prescribed Drugs in Several Therapeutic Classes. Poster presented at 20th Annual Meeting of Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA)
I understand with acute medications (e.g., an antibiotic) that the patient feels better the next day and doesn’t fill the prescription. But, for a chronic condition where the patient has likely gone to the physician for a health issue, it seems surprising that they won’t fill a prescription.
Enabling Healthy Decisions 
Thank you – I’ll be anxious to see what you find out.
Maria makes a great point about economics which is certainly a contributing factor. I will have to see if I can find other data, but it would be interesting to see if the non-compliance is higher for people prescribed brand drugs versus generic drugs.
Well, maybe because we need an answer to what’s wrong with us, yet are unable to afford the meds.
Personally, I require a rainy day fund for both and often choose between the mortgage, my girls’ care, food or whether I get that bloodwork the doc is still waiting for.
It isn’t a pretty situation – and is probably the main reason for those stats. Less non-compliance on our parts and more like between a rock and a hard place in trying to make ends meet.