Cost and limited education cited as primary drivers for dangerous medication nonadherence among COPD patients

New studies show over 50% of COPD patients misuse medications due to high costs and lack of training, leading to faster lung decline and higher mortality.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 9:23 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from COPD Foundation

The scope of medication nonadherence in respiratory care

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which encompasses conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, remains the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. While inhaled medications are effective at managing symptoms and preventing life-threatening exacerbations, a significant portion of the patient population fails to follow prescribed regimens. Recent data suggests that between 43 percent and 58.7 percent of individuals with COPD do not take their medication correctly. This failure to adhere to medical advice results in higher hospital admission rates and a faster decline in respiratory health, creating a critical challenge for public health officials and clinicians alike.

Financial barriers to essential inhaler access

A major study involving 2,521 participants from the COPDGene project identified cost as a primary obstacle to treatment. Approximately 16.2 percent of respondents reported cost-related nonadherence, meaning they either skipped doses or left prescriptions unfilled due to expense. Notably, 93.5 percent of these individuals possessed some form of health insurance, yet still faced prohibitive out-of-pocket costs for essential brand-name inhalers. Lead author Dr. Rajat Suri noted that those facing financial barriers experienced a significantly higher symptom burden and a more rapid loss of lung function, highlighting the direct link between medication affordability and physical survival.

Knowledge gaps and technical misuse of devices

In addition to financial constraints, a lack of practical knowledge regarding device operation contributes to poor disease management. A secondary study conducted by researchers in Chicago found that nearly half of the interviewed patients either forgot their doses or used their inhalers incorrectly. Barriers included a limited understanding of when to use specific medications and physical limitations that made device operation difficult. Many patients reported that they were unsure of the proper technique required to ensure the medication reached their lungs, rendering the treatment ineffective even when they attempted to follow their doctor's orders.