As with other chronic conditions, adherence to medication regimens is required for the control of inflammatory bowel disease. Non-adherence to a therapeutic program is associated with a reduced risk of both relapse and colorectal cancer development. Robinson reviewed and discussed the extent of medication non-adherence in inflammatory bowel disease patients, the predictors of non-adherence, and strategies for optimizing patient adherence. More than 40% of inflammatory bowel disease patients failed to adhere to their medication program, and thus a significant number of patients are not receiving the full benefits from their treatment - that is, remission and disease maintenance. There were multiple causes of medication non-adherence. Improving medication adherence in patients is an important challenge for physicians; understanding the different patient types, the reasons given by patients for non-adherence and the predictors of non-adherence will help devise suitable plans to optimize patient adherence.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU: Approaches such as improving the physician-patient relationship, individualized therapy, providing patient information and support, self-management programs, and practical aide reminders can be beneficial. The core of any successful program, however, would be the successful performance of self-management skills to control inflammatory bowel disease over time and across settings.

A Robinson. Review article: improving adherence to medication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharmacological Therapy, 2008;27: Suppl 1:9-14.