The United States is one of the largest markets for prescription medications in the world. According to recent data, the top 10 most purchased and prescribed medications in America are:
1. Lipitor (Atorvastatin) – Used to treat high cholesterol, Lipitor is the most prescribed medication in America. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. In 2022, Lipitor generated over $2 billion in sales.
2. Nexium (Esomeprazole) – A proton-pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive disorders, Nexium is the second most prescribed medication in America. It reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. In 2022, Nexium generated over $1.5 billion in sales.
3. Plavix (Clopidogrel) – An antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots in people with heart disease, Plavix is the third most prescribed medication in America. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together. In 2022, Plavix generated over $1 billion in sales.
4. Advair Diskus (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) – A combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Advair Diskus is the fourth most prescribed medication in America. It contains a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist. In 2022, Advair Diskus generated over $900 million in sales.
5. Diovan (Valsartan) – An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, Diovan is the fifth most prescribed medication in America. It works by relaxing blood vessels. In 2022, Diovan generated over $800 million in sales.
6. Crestor (Rosuvastatin) – Another statin used to treat high cholesterol, Crestor is the sixth most prescribed medication in America. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. In 2022, Crestor generated over $700 million in sales.
7. Januvia (Sitagliptin) – A medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, Januvia is the seventh most prescribed medication in America. It works by increasing the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. In 2022, Januvia generated over $600 million in sales.
8. Lantus (Insulin Glargine) – A long-acting insulin used to treat diabetes, Lantus is the eighth most prescribed medication in America. It works by lowering blood sugar levels. In 2022, Lantus generated over $500 million in sales.
9. Zetia (Ezetimibe) – A medication used to lower cholesterol, Zetia is the ninth most prescribed medication in America. It works by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. In 2022, Zetia generated over $400 million in sales.
10. Ventolin (Salbutamol) – A bronchodilator used to treat asthma and COPD, Ventolin is the tenth most prescribed medication in America. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways. In 2022, Ventolin generated over $300 million in sales.
Sources:
– “The Top 10 Prescription Drugs in the United States” by Kristin Compton, Verywell Health, January 2023
– “Top 20 Drugs in the U.S. by Sales” by Statista Research Department, Statista, 2022