Archive for September, 2011
70% increase in the number of prescriptions over the last 10 years
September 6th, 2011 | 
Author: The number of prescriptions filled out over the last ten years has increased by 70% according to recent statistics released by the NHS Information Centre. In the year 2000 there were 552 million prescriptions given out and in 2010 this figure rose to 927 million. Most of the prescriptions filled out today are for statins, taken to beat cholesterol, and blood pressure medication. This is costing the NHS quite a lot of money and this is due to a combination of increased numbers of people suffering from such conditions and expensive treatments that have recently come on the market.
The number of prescription drugs per person has also risen dramatically. This rise went from 11.2 percent in 2000 to 17.8 percent in 2010. Some say this is because we are living longer and so older people are sicker for longer or there are more old people with age related illnesses who need treatment.
Others suggest that doctors are prescribing too readily and furthermore, statistics reveal that up to half of all medicines for conditions that are considered more long term are actually not taken correctly as the doctor prescribed. It is believed that money going into this could be spent elsewhere and to greater effect.
The British Medical Association thinks that the increase is due to the increase in the number of medicines available today. Especially in the way of preventative treatments like for example statins that lower cholesterol. These are being handed out to those who are in full health but maybe over the age of 50.
Many doctors believe that starting stain therapy on healthy over 50s will prevent cholesterol problems and inevitably cardiovascular issues, stroke and diabetes. In reality, there has not been enough research carried out on long term statin use and this puts people at potential risk of future health problems.
We must take care to be vigilant about the amount of prescription treatments we take and most importantly that all prescription treatments are taken exactly as advised.