The Use of Medication by Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

This paper articulates the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine positions regarding access to, and use of, medications by adolescents and young adults (AYA). AYA encounter a significant number of medication-related challenges. System barriers such as supply disruption, cost, and complicated refill systems affect adherence and contribute to complications and long-term sequelae. AYA need to be able to access medications easily, confidentially, at minimal (or no) cost, and without stigma. Optimal use of medications should ideally result from a process negotiated through the triadic relationship between AYA, their parents/caregivers, and health professionals. This should be underpinned by ..