by Alexis Madrigal, The Atlantic
These are the best-selling prescription drugs in America, according to the research firm, IMS Health. They form the shadow of our nation's ailments. Among pharmaceutical industry watchers, the big news is that the top 10 drugs are generics, i.e. the ones Big Pharma makes little money on. For the casual observer, what stands out is that five drugs treat high blood pressure and by far the best-selling drug in this country is Vicodin.
People are stressed out and hurting, apparently.
The top 15 highest-grossing drugs treat a similar but not identical set of conditions, according to IMS. Three drugs treat heart disease and cholesterol. Three more treat depression and bipolar disorder. Arthritis and asthma each have two drugs in the top 15. Acid reflux, diabetes, anemia, cancer and pain round out the list.
All of the medicines with the exception of Oxycontin are for chronic conditions.
Comparing the two lists, the most striking contrast is the revenue potential of mental health drugs, which don't get prescribed that often, but rank way up on the sales list. Lipitor is the only medication that makes both lists.
via:
These are the best-selling prescription drugs in America, according to the research firm, IMS Health. They form the shadow of our nation's ailments. Among pharmaceutical industry watchers, the big news is that the top 10 drugs are generics, i.e. the ones Big Pharma makes little money on. For the casual observer, what stands out is that five drugs treat high blood pressure and by far the best-selling drug in this country is Vicodin.
People are stressed out and hurting, apparently.
The top 15 highest-grossing drugs treat a similar but not identical set of conditions, according to IMS. Three drugs treat heart disease and cholesterol. Three more treat depression and bipolar disorder. Arthritis and asthma each have two drugs in the top 15. Acid reflux, diabetes, anemia, cancer and pain round out the list.
All of the medicines with the exception of Oxycontin are for chronic conditions.
Comparing the two lists, the most striking contrast is the revenue potential of mental health drugs, which don't get prescribed that often, but rank way up on the sales list. Lipitor is the only medication that makes both lists.
via:
