The Most Popular Prescription Drugs in the U.S. for 2023
We all know what’s in our medicine cabinet — but how does it compare with others?
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists recently used data from drug manufacturers to determine the most popular prescription drugs in the U.S. based on spending in 2023.
Key Trends in Prescription Drug Spending
Weight-loss drugs were the main drivers of a 13.5% increase in prescription drug spending in the U.S. Tizepatide, initially a diabetes treatment, grew 373% in popularity, even though the FDA did not approve it for weight loss until late 2023. Conversely, hospital spending on prescription drugs decreased by 1.1% in 2023.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists speculates that spending on weight-loss drugs will continue to rise as supply meets the growing demand.
Top Prescription Drugs by Spending
The following drugs each accounted for more than $10 billion in U.S. spending in 2023, including spending at pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals.
11. Risankizumab (Skyrizi)
Amount spent: $10.1 billion in 2023
Risankizumab is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. It can be administered as an injection or a pill.
10. Dupilumab (Dupixent)
Amount spent: $11.49 billion in 2023
Dupilumab is an injection for people with eczema who have not responded to other treatments. It is also used to treat certain types of asthma.
9. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (Biktarvy)
Amount spent: $13.15 billion in 2023
Biktarvy is a single-pill treatment for HIV infection. It does not cure HIV but helps reduce the risk of developing AIDS and HIV-related illnesses.
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8. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
Amount spent: $13.16 billion in 2023
Tirzepatide, known as Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes treatment, was approved as Zepbound for weight management in late 2023.
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7. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
Amount spent: $15.4 billion in 2023
Pembrolizumab is an injection used to treat various types of skin cancer and other forms of cancer, often in combination with chemotherapy.
6. Ustekinumab (Stelara)
Amount spent: $15.87 billion in 2023
Ustekinumab treats psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. It is administered via injection.
5. Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
Amount spent: $15.89 billion in 2023
Empagliflozin lowers blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and worsening kidney disease.
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4. Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Amount spent: $16.28 billion in 2023
Dulaglutide is a weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes that also helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Apixaban (Eliquis)
Amount spent: $22.11 billion in 2023
Apixaban treats and prevents deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and helps prevent strokes in patients with certain heart conditions.
2. Adalimumab (Humira)
Amount spent: $35.33 billion in 2023
Adalimumab treats a variety of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
1. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy)
Amount spent: $38.58 billion in 2023
Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, is used to treat Type 2 diabetes and as a weight-loss aid. Its popularity has surged due to its effectiveness in weight management.
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By understanding these trends and the significant spending on these medications, we can better appreciate the dynamics of the U.S. pharmaceutical market and the growing emphasis on treatments for chronic conditions and weight management.