Percentage of Adults Aged >18 Years Who Took Prescription Medication During the Past 12 Months
Data is from the National Health Interview Survey. In 2021, 64.8% of adults aged 18 and older took prescription medication at any time during the past 12 months. Fewer men than women took prescription medications, and fewer people aged 18-44 took prescription medication compared to those 45-64 years old. For adults 65 and older, men and women are equally likely to take prescription medications.
Cohen, R.A. and Mykyta, L. (2023). Percentage of Adults Aged > 18 Years Who Took Prescription Medication During the Past 12 Months, by Sex and Age Group - National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: QuickFacts, 72(16): 450. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7216a7.htm?s_cid=mm7216a7_w