The Most Prescribed Prescription Medicines Around the World

The United States has one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets, generating more than $425 billion in revenue annually. A chunk of this revenue is invested in research and development, about $91 billion in 2020, to make existing medicines more effective and find treatment for other diseases/illnesses.

Amongst all the medicines ever created, here are four medicines that are most prescribed all around the world.

Hydrocodone

This medicine is available in oral liquid and tablet form that helps alleviate severe pain and works as an antitussive (a cough supplement for adults). Since it’s a strong medication, it can cause minor side effects, such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, mood swings, rash, dry throat, lightheadedness, and in some cases, anxiety.

In the worst-case scenario, serious side effects can occur, such as irregular or slow heartbeat, addiction, and chest tightness.

Losartan

This medicine is only available in tablet form as it’s used to treat hypertension and high blood pressure. It is also useful in reducing stroke risk in patients suffering from high blood pressure or enlarged heart.

Since this is a relatively mild medicine used to keep things under control rather than treat them, it has minor side effects, such as blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nervousness, and nausea.

Metformin

Metformin is another commonly prescribed medication available in tablet and oral liquid form. It is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, it has also proven effective in managing PCOS symptoms (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Some minor side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, and loss of appetite.

There are also some serious side effects that many users experience, such as severe tiredness with discomfort, shallow or fast breathing, changes in heart rate, and feeling cold.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the most commonly used medicines for infections and viral infections of severe intensity. They’re available as tablets, oral liquids, and intravenous fluids. Since antibiotics are generally strong, they can cause blurred vision, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, and irregular heartbeat.

Are These Medicines Expensive?

Depending on the brand of the medicine, the cost can vary from moderate to over-priced, especially if it’s not regulated by the government or has no direct competitor. However, most of these medicines are those that need to be consumed regularly to keep the issue under control, such as Losartan, which can become expensive.

If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance for prescriptions, contact Advocate My Meds today. We’re a full-service prescription assistance organization that makes medicines affordable for all. No matter the issue, we can provide financial assistance to fill prescriptions and also asthma prescription assistance.