Tag: Pharmacy policy

In 2021, 8.2% of American adults who used prescription medication reported not taking it as prescribed due to cost, a key factor in prescription abandonment [1.5.1]. **What happens if you wait too long to pick up a prescription?** The consequences range from logistical hurdles to serious health risks.

Studies show that roughly two-thirds of prescription drugs may go unused after being dispensed [1.8.1]. So, can you cancel a prescription after it's been filled if you find you no longer need it? The answer is complicated and depends on when and why you're canceling.

It is estimated that a significant number of new prescriptions are never filled, a trend known as primary non-adherence that has serious implications for patient health. Understanding what happens if you don't pick up a prescription is vital for managing your health and preventing complications from delayed or missed treatment.