Lower Costs Improve Adherence, Outcomes With Generic Statins 

Improved outcomes with the use of generic statins instead of brand-name varieties are linked to one basic factor: They are less expensive. That’s according to a new study finding that patients had greater medication adherence and, therefore, got the fuller clinical benefit, with the generic versions. Here are the details.

COPD Patients With Asthma Especially Benefit From Combination Therapy 

For patients with both COPD and asthma, combining two common treatments significantly lowered their risks of death or hospitalization, according to a new study. Find out how much the use of both long-acting beta-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids improved their outcomes.

Polypill Increases Medication Adherence After Cardiovascular Events

Six months after acute myocardial infarction, many patients have trouble sticking to their cardiovascular drug regimens. A new study suggests that a polypill could be the answer. How much did the combination of an aspirin, a statin, and an antihypertensive improve medication adherence over 9 months of follow-up?

Many Dementia Patients in Nursing Homes Receive Nonbeneficial Drugs 

Chronic disease medications are still administered to many advanced dementia patients in nursing homes, despite their terminal disease status. How common is the practice and what drugs of questionable benefit are patients receiving? A new study provides some answers.