As prescription drug prices continue to rise and the popularity of high-deductible health plans grow, patients across the U.S. are shouldering the higher price of their medications.
While many pharmaceutical companies have come under fire for increasing drug prices, Americans have yet to see decreases for their prescriptions. In fact, the amount Americans spend on prescription drugs has nearly doubled since the 1990s.
What's more, Americans often pay substantially more for the same drug than people in other countries. These price disparities occur partially because expensive specialty drugs came to the U.S. market first, and because other countries, like Europe, have price controls, according to CNN.
GoodRx, which tracks drug prices, ranked the most expensive drugs in the U.S. based on what a typical patient in a typical case would use in a month. This ranking was then analyzed by CNN.
Here are the 5 most expensive drugs in the U.S.
1. Actimmune: $52,321 for a one-month supply
Drugmaker: Horizon Pharma
Use: Actimmune boosts the immune system in chronic granulomatous disease, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from effectively fighting infections. It can also be used to slow malignant osteoporosis, a bone-hardening disorder.
2. Daraprim: $45,000 for a one-month supply
Drugmaker: Vyera Pharmaceuticals, formerly known as Turing Pharmaceuticals
Use: Daraprim is an antiparasitic used to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by one of the most common parasites. The parasite adversely affects those with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. Those with healthy immune systems rarely experience any symptoms.
3. Cinryze: $44,140 for a one-month supply
Drugmaker: Shire
Use: Cinryze is used for people with hereditary angioedema, a rare condition that causes skin and mucous membrane swelling. The drug itself is a C1 inhibitor that prevents the swelling attacks.
4. Chenodal: $42,570 for a one-month supply
Drugmaker: Retrophin
Use: Chenodal is used to dissolve non-calcified gallstones — especially in patients who cannot undergo surgery.
5. Myalept: $42,137 for a one month supply
Drugmaker: Aegerion Pharmaceuticals
Use: Myalept is an injectable treatment for people with leptin deficiency. Leptin is a hormone that helps control metabolic processes, including regulating fat storage in the body.