Prescription Statistics and Facts - 2021 Update

While our body’s immune system is created to fight infectious and potentially life-threatening diseases, sometimes it needs some help that over-the-counter medications cannot give. This is where prescription medications come in.

Prescriptions are a major part of the United States healthcare system and have a major impact on an individual's overall health. These drugs are stronger than over-the-counter medications which is why a doctor must approve the medication for a certain illness and they must be packaged in prescription drug packaging. Because they have a stronger effect on the body, they have the potential to become dangerous if misprescribed or abused.

Here are some of the top prescription statistics and facts that everyone should know.

Top Prescription Statistics and Facts

Opioids, narcotics, pain relievers, depressants, and stimulants are commonly abused prescription drugs.
These drugs are easily accessible and inexpensive. The effects of these drugs vary depending on the exact type of drug abuse but are known to alter the abuser’s mental and physical state.

Prescription drug use can become addictive.
When a prescription drug is taken for long periods with increasing dosage, it can alter the users’ reward system making it harder to feel good without the use of the drugs. Because of this, the user sees a greater need for the drugs and doesn’t feel like they can be happy without them, leading to addiction.

Vicodin is one of the top prescribed drugs in the United States.
Vicodin is used for treating moderate to severe pain. This drug is habit-forming and can reduce breathing, impair thinking, and reduce physical abilities if not used properly. Side effects include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting.

The estimated total number of prescriptions that will be filled in the U.S. in 2021 is 4.76 billion.
This is an increase from 4.38 billion prescriptions filled in 2019 and 4.55 in 2020.

CVS Health Corporation ranked number one in the prescription drug market share in 2020.
With 24.8% of the 2020 prescription drug market share, CVS Health remained the most popular pharmacy for filling prescriptions. They are followed by Walgreens Boots Alliance at 19.1%, Cigna/Express Scripts, Inc. with 1.7%, and UnitedHealth Group with 6.9%.

Males and females abuse prescription drugs for different reasons. Based on surveys conducted by NIDA researchers, studies concluded that sex played a role in the reasoning behind the misuse of certain prescription drugs.
Males, for instance, will use stimulants to get high while females use the same medication to help concentrate. Prescription drug abuse is especially harmful to teens because their brains are still in the developmental stages.

Diazepam, also known by its trade name Valium, was introduced in 1963.
The span between 1969 and 1982 saw a rise in the prescriptions for Valium. It was the most prescribed drug in 1978 when its sales peaked at more than 2.3 billion pills sold in one year.

4 out of 5 people that use heroin start by misusing prescription drugs.
The prescription drug abuse for these individuals is pain medications like Percocet, OxyContin, and Vicodin.

Alcohol increases life-threatening side effects to prescription drugs.
When taking prescription drugs, it’s important to refrain from drinking alcohol. Not only does it increase the chance of side effects, but it also can make your medication less effective, toxic to your body, and even cause new symptoms that can make you sick. Several common medications that should not be mixed with alcohol are painkillers, ADHD medication, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and diabetes medication.

Certain prescription medications have withdrawal symptoms when discontinued.
It’s more likely with an opioid or benzodiazepine. Withdrawal symptoms may include cramps in your legs and abdomen, heart palpitations, panic attacks, mood swings, dilated pupils, and sleep disturbances.

Unusual symptoms are a sign it’s time to halt taking the medication and seek medical attention.
Side effects are a part of all prescription medications. When experiencing unusual symptoms, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor. You may be experiencing an allergic reaction or an overdose.

Americans spend an average of over $1,000 a year on prescription drugs.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reported that the average spend for Americans on prescriptions is around $1,200. The more common price range per prescription is $12.41 - $97.57. However, the unknowns surrounding the fluctuating prescription medication costs makes it difficult to determine out of pocket cost.

Federal law classified prescription drugs into different categories for varying levels of regulation.
Federal Law prohibits prescription refills for Schedule II substances and limits to a 30 day supply. Whereas Schedule III and IV prescriptions are allowed for refills up to five times in six months. For Schedule V substances, refills are approved and offered by an authorized practitioner.

Health insurance companies are authorized to set limitations on prescriptions.
This means that these insurance companies can control when and even where you get your prescription filled. While you can still get a prescription from your doctor, insurance may not cover the cost if you do not meet certain specifications.

Behavior changes are a sign of addiction.
When an individual becomes addicted to prescription medication, they can experience behavioral changes. Such changes include attitude or personality changes, new friends, different activities or hobbies, stealing, moodiness, irritability, and isolation or secretive behavior. If you or someone you know experiences these changes, consult a physician immediately. 

Prescription drugs are an essential part of the healthcare industry and are known to help individuals overcome illnesses they would not be able to without them. While these medications are beneficial, abuse of the prescribed drugs can quickly become dangerous and even lead to death.

Do not use prescription drugs that have not been prescribed to you as it is vital to consult with a physician before taking these medications. You cannot access these medications over-the-counter because they are strong and could become life-threatening if your body cannot handle the drug.

Aspects that can affect whether or not you are eligible for a prescription include sex, age, race, and overall health history. Practitioners are trained and have undergone extensive educational instruction to understand the benefits and drawbacks of these medications and are best equipped to inform you on whether or not they are safe for your individual use.