Cost-related prescription drug misuse among older persons

K. A. Bonuck, M. M. Memmott, P. S. Arno

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined cost-related prescription drug misuse among older persons, i.e., using leftover drugs, not filling a prescription, and taking less than the prescribed dosage. Data were gathered from a community sample of senior center clients and medical outpatients (n = 82), and callers to a Medicare rights hotline (n = 252). One out of five older persons stretches resources by not taking drugs as recommended. Neither prescription drug coverage nor type of health plan was significantly related to misuse. A 20% rate of cost-related prescription drug misuse is high and cause for concern.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)39-49
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Research in Pharmaceutical Economics
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Keywords

  • Elderly patients
  • Medicare
  • Noncompliance
  • Prescription costs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Health Policy

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