Improving Statin Adherence in Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Lipid-lowering medications have been shown to be efficacious, but adherence can be challenging in patients who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. It is critical for pharmacists to utilize tools in their practice to help patients attain better adherence outcomes, as nonadherence to evidence-based pharmacotherapy has been associated with excess morbidity and mortality. Pharmacists can work toward a better understanding of the factors affecting treatment adherence and interact compassionately with patients to determine the reasoning behind their actions. Furthermore, the pharmacist can identify the specific cause of nonadherence, address this with effective tools and resources in collaboration with the patient and physician, and distinguish nonadherence from drug-treatment ineffectiveness.