United States 2013 Drug Spending Up 3.2% Over 2012 To $329 Billion

In the United States, total drug spending in 2013 was $329.2 billion, up 3.2% over 2012 spending of $319.1 billion. Per capita use of medications increased by 0.9%; the per capita cost increased by 1%. There were 3.6 billion retail prescriptions written in 2013; about 1.6% more prescriptions were filled in 2013 than in 2012. Americans use an average of 12.2 prescriptions per person each year.

Retail pharmacies accounted for 53% of medication spending and mail order accounted for 19%. Non-retail settings accounted for 29% of medication spending; these settings include hospitals . . .