For the rankings, CMS used its dataset that reflects drug utilization and costs incurred by 38 million beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D programs in 2014. The dataset includes the total number of prescriptions dispensed — including original prescriptions and any refills — and the total cost of the drug. Drug costs include actual cost, dispensing fees, sales tax and any applicable administration fees.
Below are the top 10 drugs administered by claim count.
- Lisinopril (38.2 million claims)
- Levothyroxine Sodium (37.7 million claims)
- Amlodipine Besylate (36.3 million claims)
- Simvastatin (34.1 million claims)
- Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (33.4 million claims)
- Omeprazole (33 million claims)
- Atorvastatin calcium (32.6 million claims)
- Furosemide (27.1 million claims)
- Metformin HCI (23.5 million claims)
- Gabapentin (22.1 million claims)
Below are the top 10 drugs by cost.
- Sovaldi ($3.1 billion)
- Nexium ($2.7 billion)
- Crestor ($2.5 billion)
- Abilify ($2.5 billion)
- Advair Diskus ($2.3 billion)
- Spiriva ($2.2 billion)
- Lantus SoloSTAR ($2 billion)
- Januvia ($1.8 billion)
- Latnus ($1.7 billion)
- Revlimid ($1.7 billion)
More articles on finance issues:
5 most-read finance stories: Week of Aug. 15-19
KeyBank expands client mobile payment options with Masterpass by Mastercard
NJ hospital accused of luring foreign moms with false advertising
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.