Telepharmacy Shows Promise in Improving Medication Adherence and Lowering Blood Pressure, Study Finds

A 2025 review of 21 clinical trials involving 5,440 participants found that telepharmacy—using phone calls, video conferencing, or apps to deliver pharmacy services—may improve medication adherence and reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with long-term conditions, according to a study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare. However, the evidence on its impact on blood sugar control and patient satisfaction remains inconclusive.

How Does Telepharmacy Impact Medication Adherence?

Telepharmacy was associated with a measurable improvement in how well patients followed their prescribed medication regimens, based on 10 studies involving 2,978 participants. Pharmacists using remote communication tools provided guidance on dosing, side effects, and medication timing, which likely contributed to better adherence. “This suggests that telepharmacy can bridge gaps in in-person care, particularly for patients facing geographic or logistical barriers,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a clinical pharmacologist at the University of California, San Francisco, who was not involved in the study.

However, the review noted variability in outcomes, with some interventions focusing on detecting medication-related issues and others on mitigating harm. The lack of standardized protocols across studies limited the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Can Telepharmacy Lower Blood Pressure?

Five studies involving 1,254 participants found that telepharmacy may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure, which measures arterial pressure during heartbeats, dropped by an average of 5–7 mmHg, while diastolic pressure decreased by 3–4 mmHg. These changes were observed in patients with hypertension, a common long-term condition.

“Even modest reductions in blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular events,” said Dr. Michael Reynolds, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic. “Telepharmacy’s role in monitoring and adjusting treatment plans could be particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions remotely.”

What About Blood Sugar Control?

Telepharmacy showed “little or no difference” in improving HbA1c levels—a key marker for blood sugar control—in five studies involving 1,771 participants. This suggests that while telepharmacy may support medication adherence, it does not directly address the metabolic factors driving diabetes progression.

Researchers emphasized that patients with diabetes still require in-person monitoring and personalized treatment adjustments. “Telepharmacy is a tool, not a substitute for comprehensive care,” noted Dr. Aisha Patel, an endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins University.

How Satisfied Are Patients With Telepharmacy?

The evidence on patient satisfaction remains “very uncertain,” with only three studies involving 422 participants. Some patients appreciated the convenience of remote consultations, while others expressed concerns about the lack of face-to-face interaction. “Satisfaction likely depends on how telepharmacy is implemented and the specific needs of the patient population,” said Dr. Laura Kim, a health services researcher at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

No studies reported deaths or significant adverse effects linked to telepharmacy. However, the review highlighted a lack of data on long-term safety. “We need more research to understand potential risks, such as delayed interventions or miscommunication in virtual settings,” said Dr. James Lee, a pharmacovigilance expert at the FDA.

What Are the Limitations of the Current Evidence?

Most studies were small, short-term, and varied in design, making it difficult to generalize findings. Additionally, the review noted that medicine-related problems—such as side effects or drug interactions—were often self-reported, limiting the ability to analyze trends. “The inconsistency in study methodologies underscores the need for standardized guidelines to evaluate telepharmacy’s effectiveness,” said Dr. Rachel Torres, a clinical trial specialist at the National Institutes of Health.

What’s Next for Telepharmacy Research?

Future studies should focus on larger, longer-term trials with standardized protocols to clarify telepharmacy’s role in chronic disease management. Researchers also recommend exploring its integration with wearable health devices to enhance real-time monitoring.

“Telepharmacy has the potential to transform healthcare delivery, but it must be rigorously evaluated to ensure it meets the needs