Abstract
Nonadherence to medical regimens has been described as an epidemic of the 21st century. The recent Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis points out that nonadherence is a problem in the bone field and addresses the need to improve adherence with osteoporosis therapies. Studies show that less than 25% of patients who initiate drug therapy for osteoporosis achieve 1 yr of treatment without interrupting therapy. It is estimated that improving adherence could result in nearly 400,000 fewer fractures each year in the United States. This article addresses strategies that clinicians can use to increase adherence to osteoporosis medications.