Automated healthcare specialist, Omnicell, launched a new campaign – Let’s Take Care of It – to highlight the scale of medication non-adherence in the UK, at this year's Pharmacy Show.

A survey carried out for the campaign revealed that just over one in five patients have missed a round of daily medication, while 12 per cent have failed to complete a course of medication.

The main reason for missing medication was forgetting (65 per cent), followed by concerns over adverse effects (25 per cent) and not understanding the need for the medicines (20 per cent).

One in three respondents have disposed of unused medication, with 20 per cent confessing to flushing pills down the lavatory. 27 per cent have kept hold of old or unused medicines and around six per cent have ‘donated’ them to someone else.

The report also discussed some possible solutions to adherence issues. For example, 62 per cent of 18-24 year-olds said that text reminders would help them stick to their medication regimen.

Paul O'Hanlon, managing director of Omnicell UK and Ireland, said: "None of the reasons why patients are failing to adhere to medication are insurmountable. Better patient education, targeted use of support services by pharmacists and utilising modern technology to aid compliance would go a long way to stemming the flow of resources down the toilet – quite literally in some cases.”

Omnicell is appealing to everyone to show their support for the adherence campaign by signing up to a pledge at: www.letstakecareofit.com/pledge