Prescription Abandonment Statistics

The Overlooked Human and Financial Cost

When patients leave the pharmacy counter without their prescribed medication, the consequences ripple far beyond that single transaction. Prescription abandonment occurs when patients fill a prescription but never pick it up. This behavior impacts health outcomes, drives up healthcare costs, and signals deeper challenges in patient engagement.

The Numbers Behind Prescription Abandonment

A 2024 report by IQVIA revealed just how widespread the problem is:

98 million new therapy prescriptions were abandoned in 2023
Of the 98 million new-to-product prescriptions abandoned in 2023, 44 million were abandoned when costs were under $10, including zero cost prescriptions, while the remaining 54 million were abandoned at greater rates as costs rise.
Of prescriptions with a final cost above $250, 55% are not picked up by patients.

These statistics highlight a sobering truth, cost is a major driver of whether patients start the treatments their doctors prescribe.

It’s Not Just About the Price Tag

While cost is an undeniable factor, new research suggests that emotional and social barriers are just as critical. In Pleio’s nationwide survey, Loneliness and Health Behaviors: A Missing Link in Chronic Care, patients revealed how emotional disengagement and isolation can be just as detrimental as financial strain:

52% said loneliness interfered with taking medications as prescribed.
Among patients on specialty medications, that number rose to 70%.
41% admitted to avoiding picking up a prescription altogether due to emotional disengagement.

In other words, even if a prescription is affordable, feelings of disconnection, stress, or lack of support can stop a patient from following through.

Prescription Abandonment Statistics Underscore the Need for Better Patient Support

Addressing the barriers highlighted in these prescription abandonment statistics requires more than lowering costs. Pleio’s human-first engagement model helps bridge the gap between intention and action, providing compassionate, personalized outreach that addresses both the practical and emotional challenges of starting and staying on treatment. By combining data-driven insights with genuine human support, Pleio helps patients feel seen, supported, and empowered to follow through on the care they need.