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Issues of Adherence to Immunosuppressant Therapy After Solid-Organ Transplantation

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Abstract

Nonadherence to immunosuppressant therapy constitutes a major barrier to post-transplant care. Failure of transplant recipients to take prescribed drugs properly may not only be a significant obstacle to optimal graft function but it may also result in decreased quality of life and productivity, increased morbidity and healthcare cost, and death. Despite the obvious importance of adherence to immunosuppressant therapy, nonadherence is frequent among transplant recipients, with rates ranging from 2 to 68%.

This manuscript briefly discusses several issues concerning adherence to immunosuppressant therapy of solid-organ transplant recipients; presents a literature review concerning adherence to immunosuppressant therapy by solid-organ transplant recipients; and suggests strategies that may be used to enhance medication adherence. Although many of the studies have results that conflict concerning factors associated with immunosuppressive nonadherence, most of the investigators concluded that nonadherent behaviour is usually not predictable. Because of possible adverse events, emphasis should be placed on increasing medication adherence in all transplant recipients.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust Fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, Georgia, 30912-2450, USA

    Marie A. Chisholm

  2. Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia CJ-1020, Augusta, Georgia, 30912-2450, USA

    Marie A. Chisholm

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  1. Marie A. Chisholm
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Correspondence to Marie A. Chisholm.

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Chisholm, M.A. Issues of Adherence to Immunosuppressant Therapy After Solid-Organ Transplantation. Drugs 62, 567–575 (2002). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200262040-00002

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