NON-COMPLIANCE WITH ARTHRITIS DRUGS - MAGNITUDE, CORRELATES, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 8  (6) , 931-936
Abstract
Objective information on arthritis drug compliance in usual care settings is sparse. Of causes of poor compliance, regimen complexity has received special attention. A previously validated pharmacy-based compliance measure was used to study compliance in an arthritis clinic. Across drugs, mean compliance was low (64%). Wide variations were seen among drugs, ranging from 55% mean compliance (indomethacin) to > 80% (prednisone, penicillamine). Major variations by diagnosis were found, with rheumatoid arthritis patients more compliant than others. Regimen complexity was a relatively weak correlate of compliance, and the overall level of arthritis drug compliance was similar to that reported for antihypertensive drugs.

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