What Country Takes the Most Prescription Drugs

country takes most prescription drugs

The most prescription drugs are taken in the United States, and their national average has each person spending in the vicinity of $1200 each year for Rx medication. There may be a better indicator than the dollar value figure for what country takes the most prescription drugs though, and that’s because Americans pay more for prescription medication than all other countries in the world. Considering that nearly a quarter (24%) of Americans report having used three or more Rx meds in the last month is a good indication of that. Especially when you consider that near ¼ of 35 million people indicates extensive multi-medication use.

Understand as well that this is also a reflection of a very modern 1^st world healthcare system with citizens benefitting from a public / private model of healthcare where timely and thorough care is provided for patients. That does come at a cost though, and countries that have more inclusive healthcare systems are to be commended. Overall, the US healthcare system provides an unmatched level of care and patients get immediate access to the medications prescribed for them.

That also factors into what country takes the most prescription drugs, despite the fact they are often paying too much for them. The option to order medication online from Canada exists, and that’s usually the best way to pay less for prescription drugs. With the rest of this entry, we will talk about what country consumes the most prescription drugs in a different context.

Billions of Rx Bought

Another point backing up USA being the answer to what country takes the most prescription drugs is the fact that every year more than $4 billion is end-user costs spent on pharmaceuticals. It is clear that a significant part of that is going to be expenditure made by people who benefit from a copay arrangement through their insurance, and if these thousands of people didn’t have such an arrangement then you’d have an even more staggering figure for consumer medication spending in the US.

Part of that medication spending is discretionary too, where it’s not entirely necessary for the person to be taking the med but they take it to improve health or bodily function in some way. Viagra for erectile dysfunction serves as a prime example for that. It has no relation to what country takes the most prescription drugs, but for some people prescription meds are a key to having the quality of life they want for themselves. ED medication is expensive in America, so ordering medication online from Canada is a welcome alternative.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

<< Go back to blog