Medication nonadherence and its relation to financial restriction

The question of patient nonadherence has always been an important factor in determining candidate suitability for organ transplantation. Data that explore the association of financial problems and posttransplant medication nonadherence are limited. Findings suggest that medication nonadherence was more likely to occur when recipients did not have insurance coverage and had to rely on Medicaid or indigent drug programs. Our center developed a formalized program within the outpatient pharmacy, including a full-time medication counselor who helped recipients secure resources to pay for pre- and posttransplant medications. To determine whether the availability of posttransplant medications could reduce medication nonadherence, we conducted a survey with 50 consecutive liver transplant recipients in the outpatient clinic. Nonadherence rates were significantly reduced from 25% to 10% (P < .01) compared with recipients who had been transplanted before the development of our drug program. These results suggest that optimum medication adherence can be obtained when recipients are provided guidance in securing their necessary medications without financial restriction.