COPD Patients Often Misuse Medications

Affordability and lack of knowledge about medications lead to increased exacerbations and faster lung function decline.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Two new studies have found that medication nonadherence among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a result of affordability and lack of knowledge about medications, leading to increased exacerbations and faster lung function decline. The studies, published in the January 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, examined factors contributing to medication nonadherence and its impact on COPD patients.

Why it matters

COPD affects over 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Proper medication adherence is crucial for managing COPD symptoms and preventing exacerbations, but these studies show that many patients struggle with affordability and understanding of their medications, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The details

In one study, researchers examined 2,521 participants from the COPD Genetic Epidemiology (COPDGene®) study and found that 16.2% reported cost-related nonadherence, meaning they did not fill prescriptions or took less medication due to expense or lack of coverage. These individuals experienced quicker lung function decline, more frequent exacerbations, and higher symptom burden. In another study, interviews with 17 COPD patients revealed that nearly half reported not taking medications as prescribed or using inhalers incorrectly, citing barriers like forgetfulness, physical limitations, limited understanding of inhaler use, difficulty accessing care, stigma, and cost.

  • The studies were published in the January 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.

The players

Rajat Suri, M.D., M.S.

Of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at University of California San Diego and lead author of the first study.

Stephanie L. LaBedz, M.D.

Of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy at University of Illinois Chicago and lead author of the second study.

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What they’re saying

“There are a variety of factors that can cause medication nonadherence. For people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases, cost is a significant factor. Many COPD treatments are brand-name inhalers with high out-of-pocket costs.”

— Rajat Suri, M.D., M.S. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation)

“Medication nonadherence is common, but the reasons behind it are highly individual. Physicians need to understand the full range of barriers their patients face so they can provide better education and connect them with support to ensure medications are used correctly.”

— Stephanie L. LaBedz, M.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation)

What’s next

The two respiratory inhalers undergoing negotiation in the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act could help reduce cost-related nonadherence for COPD patients.

The takeaway

These studies highlight the critical need to address the affordability and accessibility of COPD medications, as well as improve patient education and support, in order to ensure proper medication adherence and better health outcomes for the millions of Americans living with this chronic lung disease.