Not according to a recent study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.¹ In an observational study performed 2003-2005, good adherence was defined as taking 80% of prescribed doses of inhaled steroids.

3.4% of asthma patients met good adherence criteria.

3.4%!

Note: The study involved patients covered by commercial insurance.

What would the number look like for uninsured patients?

I state the obvious: It’s time to change how we educate patients. It’s time to change systems of asthma care to address this remarkable problem.

[Editor's Note: What's your experience been with asthma medication adherence? Log in and Comment in the box below.]

Reference

Tan H, Sarawate C, Singer J, et al.  Impact of asthma controller medications on clinical, economic, and patient-reported outcomes. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(8):675-684. doi: 10.4065/84.8.675.