With pharmaceutical companies marketing over 20,000 prescription medications, it can be hard to keep up with which are the most common. Let’s uncover the 3 most popular prescriptions and discuss why they rank in those top spots.
According to Definitive Healthcare, the top outpatient medications in the U.S. are:
- Atorvastatin calcium, the generic version of brand-name Lipitor, was the most prescribed medication in 2022. It is used to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and prevent cardiovascular disease.
- Lisinopril, the second most common drug, treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also commonly prescribed to patients with a recent heart attack to prevent similar future events.
- Amlodipine besylate is the third medication on the list and is commonly prescribed in combination with atorvastatin. It is used to treat high blood pressure, certain types of angina (chest pain), and coronary artery disease.
It is no coincidence that the top prescription medications are related to the most common chronic condition: heart disease. About half of all adults in the United States have at least one form of heart disease, with high blood pressure and high cholesterol among the risk factors. These risk factors can be reduced through:
- Lifestyle changes
- Smoking cessation
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Regular physical activity (30 minutes, 5 times per week is ideal)
- Limiting alcohol use
- Taking prescription medication
- Annual exams with a primary care provider
Making small changes, adhering to medications, and visiting with a PCP can help manage heart disease, improve health outcomes, and ultimately save lives. While lifestyle changes and primary care providers are important variables in the equation to minimizing heart disease, EveryDose’s focus on medication adherence positions us to help with this issue. Unfortunately, only 60% of patients adhere to their blood pressure and cholesterol medications, and those with poor adherence have a 20% higher risk for cardiovascular events and mortality.
It is clear that atorvastatin calcium, lisinopril and amlodipine besylate provide major benefits to patients with heart disease, and it’s evident that patients take them based on the data. But, with heart disease continuing to be the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years, it’s possible that not enough patients take them or take them as prescribed. EveryDose is moving the needle when it comes to adherence rates for individuals on chronic disease medications. If you’re living with heart disease, download the EveryDose mobile app to see how our many features can change your medication-taking habits and improve your health.
If you have questions about heart disease, risk factors, or your medications, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
