Pill Fatigue | Addressing supplement accessibility for better patient outcomes

A significant proportion of the Australian population relies on daily medications, with 67% taking prescription medicines.¹ Additionally, 47% use dietary supplements to further support their health,² and among those aged 75 and over, two-thirds manage five or more medications alongside complementary therapies.³ This increasing pill burden can contribute to a feeling of ‘pill fatigue’, a growing challenge that impacts patient compliance and long-term adherence.⁴ Alarmingly, approximately 50% of patients do not take medication as prescribed.⁵

Non-adherence to treatment plans can lead to poor disease management, increased morbidity, and a higher risk of complications.⁶ Given that adherence is a cornerstone of effective healthcare and preventative health strategies,⁵ addressing individual barriers to compliance is essential. One approach with increasing interest is the demand for more diverse supplementation formats.