People with multiple myeloma are prone to experience significant workplace and functional impairment, high out of pocket costs, and frequent office visits, researchers concluded after conducting a cross-sectional study involving 162 individuals. Adherence to therapy can blunt the impact. Participants with multiple myeloma were divided into 2 groups according to their medication adherence scores. They completed 3 surveys, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Multiple Myeloma (FACT-MM): Among the results:

• FACT-MM scores averaged 98.5.
• Absenteeism and presenteeism averaged 18% and 52%, respectively.
• Work productivity and activity impairment averaged 57% and 50%, respectively.
• Out-of-pocket costs averaged ~$700 in the prior 3 months.
• Patients spent an average of ~7 hours in monthly appointments with clinicians.
• Patients with high medication adherence had higher FACT-MM scores.
• Those with lower medication adherence reported greater activity impairment and were more apt to be overwhelmed/frustrated with appointment rescheduling.