Understanding Prescription Drug Use in the U.S.
While a simple average can be misleading, examining national health data provides a clearer picture of medication consumption. The prevalence of prescription drug use is high and has been on an upward trend for decades. This is primarily driven by an aging population with increasing rates of chronic diseases, medical advancements, and shifts in treatment protocols.
The Misleading Nature of a Single 'Average' Number
When asking, "How many prescription drugs does the average person take?" it's important to clarify which "average" is being referenced and for which population. Different surveys produce different metrics:
- One Average: A 2017 Consumer Reports survey of adults found that more than half of Americans regularly take a prescription medication, with four being the average number among users.
- Another Average: More specifically, a 2006 study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) noted that for those with at least one prescription purchase, the average number of unique outpatient prescriptions was 4.0.
These numbers illustrate that a single figure cannot represent the entire population, especially since a significant portion of individuals take no prescription drugs. Therefore, it is more informative to analyze trends across different demographic groups.
Medication Use by Age and Demographics
Prescription drug use is heavily skewed towards older age groups due to the higher prevalence of chronic health conditions.
- Older Adults (65+): Data from the U.S. Pharmacist reveals that the mean number of medications used by adults 65 years and older increased to 4.3 in 2017–March 2020. Other sources cite even higher figures for this age bracket. In fact, an August 2019 KFF data note found that more than half of adults aged 65 and older (54%) reported taking four or more prescription drugs, compared to just 13% of adults aged 30–49.
- Adults Ages 40–79: A 2019 CDC data brief showed that 69% of U.S. adults in this age range used at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days, and 22.4% used five or more.
- Gender: Studies have also shown gender-based differences, with women at some ages taking more medications than men, influenced by factors like reproductive health needs and longer life expectancy.
The Growing Phenomenon of Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, is a growing health issue, particularly among the elderly. Its prevalence among U.S. adults has been on the rise. One study published in BMC Geriatrics indicated that the prevalence of polypharmacy in U.S. adults increased from 8.2% in 1999–2000 to 17.1% in 2017–2018. In older adults (65+), the prevalence is even higher, with one meta-analysis finding a worldwide average of 45%.
Factors Driving Increased Prescription Use
Several key factors explain the rise in average prescription drug use:
- Increased Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease often require multiple medications for management, contributing significantly to a person's pill burden.
- Medical Advancements: The development of new drugs and treatment protocols has made it possible to manage conditions that were previously untreatable, but this often leads to adding more drugs to a patient's regimen.
- Aging Population: As the population ages, the number of individuals with multiple chronic conditions that necessitate prescription drugs naturally increases.
- Pharmaceutical Marketing and Medicalization: The cultural expectation of a "pill for every ill" has led to increased prescribing, sometimes for conditions that could be managed non-pharmacologically.
- Access and Coverage: Policies like Medicare Part D have increased access and affordability, leading to higher prescription drug use among insured populations.
Risks and Management of Multiple Medications
Taking multiple medications, especially five or more (polypharmacy), can pose serious health risks. These risks are amplified in older adults whose bodies metabolize drugs differently.
- Drug Interactions: Medications can interact with each other, affecting their effectiveness or causing unexpected side effects. Some combinations can be particularly dangerous, such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
- Side Effects: The more drugs a person takes, the higher the risk of side effects like dizziness, confusion, falls, and sedation.
- Cognitive Impairment: Certain drugs, especially those with anticholinergic properties, can impair memory and thinking, potentially mimicking or worsening symptoms of dementia.
- Prescribing Cascade: This occurs when a new medication is prescribed to treat a side effect of another drug, creating a domino effect of adding more medications.
Managing multiple medications requires diligence. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to have a regular medication review with a healthcare provider. The National Institute on Aging offers valuable resources on this topic.
Learn more about polypharmacy management on the National Institute on Aging website.
Comparing Average Medication Use by Age
| Age Group (U.S.) | Percent Using Any Rx Drug | Percent Using 5+ Rx Drugs | Source & Year (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Adults (General) | 68% (daily use) | 26% (daily use) | CivicScience, 2025 |
| 40–79 Years Old | 69% (past 30 days) | 22.4% (past 30 days) | CDC Data Brief, 2019 |
| 65+ Years Old | 90% (regularly) | 43% (regularly) | Merck Manuals, 2024 |
How to Safely Manage Multiple Medications
- Keep an Updated List: Maintain a comprehensive list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosages and frequency, and bring it to every doctor's appointment.
- Use One Pharmacy: Using a single pharmacy allows the pharmacist to monitor for potential drug interactions.
- Question Your Prescriptions: Ask your doctor if a newly prescribed medication is truly necessary and if any existing medications can be stopped or reduced.
- Regular Medication Review: Request an annual medication review with your primary care provider or a pharmacist, especially if seeing multiple specialists.
- Stay Informed: Understand the purpose and potential side effects of each medication you take.
Conclusion: The Rising Trend
In summary, the question of how many prescription drugs does the average person take reveals a complex landscape of medication use. While a general average might hover around a handful, this number is heavily inflated by older adults and those with chronic conditions, where polypharmacy is a widespread and increasing phenomenon. The high prevalence of multiple medication use necessitates proactive management to minimize risks like adverse drug events and dangerous interactions. Regular communication with healthcare providers and pharmacists is the most effective strategy for ensuring medication regimens remain safe and appropriate throughout a person's life.
