Effectiveness Of A Program That Includes Counseling And Patient Support On Adherence To Treatment With Lipitor

Impact Of An Integrated Intervention Program On Adherence To Atorvastatin

Despite extensive reports of the benefits of statins in reducing serious cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart disease in patients with elevated LDL-cholesterol, patients do not take their medicines regularly as prescribed. Reasons include forgetfulness, lack of understanding of the seriousness of the disease, and fear of side effects. An intervention strategy comprising 3-5 minutes of counseling, emotional support and cost-sharing may be motivational and improve adherence to treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female aged >21 years
• Have received a new or re-fil prescription for atorvastatin at first study visit to Prairie Heart Institute
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling to give written informed consent
• Failed statin treatment in the past
• Switched from another statin to atorvastatin because of co-pay program
• Participated in an earlier Market Research study on Impact of cholesterol management behaviors post in-clinic adherence intervention