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Younger American Drug Prescriptions Soar
Young patients are surpassing senior citizens and baby boomers as the fastest-growing segment of consumer prescription drugs, according to Medco’s 2002 Drug Trend Report.
Half a million people under age 19 were researched. Prescription spending increased 28% in 2001 for this group, compared to a 23% increase for the 35-49 age group and less than a 10% increase for those 65 and older.
The report points to pediatric patients taking more medications for longer periods. Specifically, an increase in prescriptions for:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Anti-infectives
Medco went on to say generic drugs could be utilized to reduce cost, providing the same desired effect as their brand-name counterparts. Healthcare plans that promote generic drugs can save as much as 5% on pharmacy health care benefits.