Generic drug prescriptions dispensed U.S. number 2010-2019

This statistic shows the total number of medical prescriptions dispensed in the United States from 2010 to 2019. In 2019, there were approximately 3.8 billion prescriptions for generic drugs dispensed all over the United States. During 2016, the number increased to a record high of some 3.99 billion.

Total number of generic drug prescriptions dispensed in the U.S. from 2010 to 2019* (in millions)

Characteristic	Number of prescriptions dispensed in millions
2019	3,804
2018	3,788
2017	3,809
2016	3,985
2015	3,874
2014	3,797
2013	3,663
2012	3,494
2011	3,203
2010	3,080

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Release date

August 2020

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Region

United States

Survey time period

2010 to 2019

Supplementary notes

* Includes all prescriptions of branded and unbranded generics, dispensed through retail pharmacies - including independent and chain drug stores, food store pharmacies and mail order as well as long-term care facilities. Prescription counts are not adjusted for length of therapy. 90-day and 30-day prescriptions are both counted as one prescription.
All values are rounded and calculated based on provided data.

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