CDC Report Shows Increase in US Prescription Drug Use Over Decade

October 28, 2010 8:44 AM

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the latest data showing increased use of prescription drugs in the United States in the report “Prescription Drug Use Continues to Increase: U.S. Prescription Drug Data for 2007-2008.” The report, based on results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, shows prescription drug use trends from 1999 to 2008, including showing how use varies by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. The prescription drugs used most commonly among each age group are also identified. The report states that “[a]s new drugs are introduced and new uses for old drugs are found, more patients can have improved health and quality of life with the appropriate use of prescription drugs.” Dr Qiuping Gu, epidemiologist and lead researcher for the study, told The New York Times that side effects and safety issues are of concern when more people are taking more medication, and particularly when more older patients are taking multiple medications.