• Local News
    • San Diego
    • North County
    • East County
    • South Bay
    • Northeastern
    • Temecula
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Television
    • Art
    • Theater
    • Film
    • Events
    • Theme Parks
    • Podcast/Radio
    • Museums
    • Books
  • Business
  • National
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Health
    • Health Business
    • Health Education
    • Medical
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food
    • Lifestyle
    • Senior Life
    • Society
  • Home

San Diego County News

Independent publication serving San Diego County

High cholesterol, diabetes lead drug spending for the elderly

March 16, 2010 By Staff

(Newswise)–Purchases of cholesterol and diabetes prescription drugs by elderly Medicare beneficiaries reached nearly $19 billion in 2007 – about one-fourth of the approximately $82 billion spent for medications for the elderly, according to the latest AHRQ News and Numbers.

Metabolic drugs, which are used to lower cholesterol levels, keep diabetes under control and for weight and thyroid problems, topped the list of the five leading categories of drugs purchased by the elderly.

According to the analysis by the federal agency, the other four drug classes in the top five in 2007 were:

• Cardiovascular drugs, including blood pressure medicines, diuretics and drugs to control abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation ($15 billion)
• Central nervous system drugs, such as arthritis and other pain medications ($8 billion)
• Gastrointestinal drugs, which include anti-acid medications ($7 billion)
• Hormones, to treat osteoporosis, cancer and other conditions ($5 billion)

AHRQ, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, improves the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. The data in this AHRQ News and Numbers summary are taken from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a detailed source of information on the health services used by Americans, the frequency with which they are used, the cost of those services, and how they are paid.

Trending
Authorities seek information on two suspects involved in Baskin-Robbins burglaries

40

SHARES
Share on Facebook
Tweet
Follow us

Filed Under: Health, Medical Tagged With: Health

10% off Florsheim with code: LNK10
SodaStream USA, inc

Popular Stories

  • Driver killed in head-on collision in north county
  • San Diego’s Urban Forest to benefit from $10M federal grant
  • San Diego secures $3.2M to resolve encampments at corridor along I-15
  • Three teens arrested for robbing man of shoes
  • San Diego Unified schools recognized as America’s healthiest schools

School Sports




Fall Season! Don't wait for autumn to come! Enter code FALL25 for up to $25 off our fees on flights and plan your fall getaway today.

Categories

  • About Us
  • Archive
  • Checkout
  • Contact Us
  • Listing Form
  • Listings
  • My Account
  • Private Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Things To Do

Follow @SanCounty

Privacy Policy

Terms of service

Copyright © 2023 San Diego County News