Background: AML is a disease of older adults (median age 67 years). Although standard AML treatment is intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, availability of oral anti-cancer medications has increased , providing benefits and risks to patients. Patients prefer their convenience, absence of IV infusions, potential for fewer clinic visits, and increased subjective feeling of control over their disease. Poor adherence can increase toxicity risk and compromise treatment effectiveness. We aim to identify barriers to adherence to oral medications in patients with AML and proposed solutions for improvements. Methods: Following IRB approval, patients with AML and their caregivers were recruited to participate in focus groups. An experienced moderator conducted the groups using an interview guide developed by AML experts. Participants received gift cards for their participation. Sessions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for thematic content using Dedoose qualitative software. Results: 11 patients (5 <65 years; 6 >65 years) and 4 caregivers participated in sessions lasting 60-75 minutes. Three central themes emerged: medication adherence challenges, managing an oral adherence plan, and strategies to improve oral adherence. Adherence challenges: number and size of pills, different directions, cost, availability, and side effects. An adherence plan was recommended: written schedules, take medications around meals, and use of pillboxes and alarms. Main sources of information: health care team and bottle directions. Recommendations for providing adherence assistance included better instructions, assistance with scheduling, making pills smaller, and consistency in packaging. Conclusions: Patients are an important source of insight into barriers and solutions to oral medication adherence. These responses were used to develop a survey to be administered to 100 patients with AML. Results will inform development of an intervention to improve oral medication adherence in the AML population.