Is America Dependent on Prescription Drugs?

According to a study conducted by Medco Health Solutions, one of the nation’s largest consumer prescription management companies, more than half of all insured Americans is dependent on one or more prescription drugs to treat chronic health problems.

Medco’s report indicates that the most widely prescribed drugs are those that treat chronic health issues such as hypertension and to manage cholesterol. In 2007, over 50 percent of all Americans (both adults and children) were taking one or more prescription drugs to treat a chronic condition.

The trend to treat chronic conditions with prescription medications trends from every demographic group:
* Almost two-thirds of women aged 20 and up
* One in four children and teenagers
* 52 percent of adult men
* Three out of four seniors aged 65+

Dr. Robert Epstein, Medco’s Chief Medical Officer, notes that the largest increase in the use of chronic medications is in adults 20-44 years old, and attributes this to an increase in the use of for conditions such as depression, diabetes, asthma, ADD and seizures. Epstein also noted an increase in the use of prescription antidepressants in teenagers.

The study also highlights a surge in the use of prescription medications to treat weight-related problems in children. Medco estimates that over one million children now are prescribed with mediations to treat diabetes, sleep problems and gastrointestinal problems.

Has your health been affected by the use of prescription drugs to treat a chronic condition?  If you have been harmed because your doctor improperly prescribed a drug, our attorneys may be able to help you.

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