What is a common reason for medication non-adherence among patients?

Complex medication regimens and misunderstandings about dosing represent a significant barrier to medication adherence. When patients are prescribed a complicated regimen that involves multiple medications, different dosages, or varying schedules, it can lead to confusion and difficulty in following the prescribed plan. This complexity can overwhelm patients, causing them to miss doses, take incorrect amounts, or misunderstand when and how to take their medications.

Additionally, misunderstandings about dosing can arise from ineffective communication between healthcare providers and patients. If patients do not fully understand the instructions or the importance of adhering to the regimen, they may inadvertently skip doses or not take the medication as directed.

While other factors like forgetting prescriptions and cost can indeed impact adherence, the intricacy of the medication plan coupled with misunderstandings creates a more pronounced barrier that is often addressed through more tailored patient education and support.