NACDS letter to the editor: Pharmacists can help improve medication adherence

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Friday released a response to a Sept. 5 article in The Washington Post about efforts to improve medication adherence through research and patient-focused strategies.



In its letter to the editor, NACDS stated:



“[The article] ’Researchers are trying again to help you take your medicine’ hit the nail on the head about the importance of patients taking their medication as prescribed. Researchers interviewed for the article indicate that medication adherence will not improve 'if patients don't develop the habit of sticking to their medication regimens.'



"But there is a solution.



"Pending bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate — S. 776, the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2015 — would improve access to medication therapy management services for senior citizens enrolled in the Medicare program. Medicare Part D patients with specific chronic conditions — diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD and high cholesterol — would benefit from the education and training of pharmacists and other qualified health practitioners to help ensure that medications are taken appropriately.



"There is overwhelming support and research — including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Congressional Budget Office — showing that filling prescription medications and taking them as prescribed improves medication adherence, resulting in better health outcomes and reduced overall medical costs.



"Continued nonadherence will only generate greater health risks for patients with chronic conditions. This commonsense legislation is key to improving medication adherence and health for these patients."