Key Findings from the Landmark JAMA Network Open Study
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open on February 16, 2026, provides the most current snapshot of medication use among US adults. Researchers surveyed 21,000 adults through an online panel conducted by YouGov between June 2023 and April 2024. The data reveal that 62.3% of respondents—equivalent to over 130 million Americans—reported using at least one over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication in the past seven days. This prevalence underscores the integral role medications play in daily health management across the nation.
The study's methodology employed a validated sample-matching approach to ensure representativeness, with participants self-reporting use via a structured recall tool called MedHAT. This tool prompted users for conditions, activities, and common names, minimizing recall bias typical in longer-term surveys. Exclusions for vitamins, supplements, and topicals focused the analysis on therapeutic drugs, yielding high-quality data on actual consumption rather than just dispensing records.
OTC and Prescription Use: Near Parity in Everyday Reliance
One of the most striking revelations is the near-equal prevalence of OTC and prescription medication use. Exactly 46.0% of adults reported OTC use in the past week, while 46.3% used prescriptions. This balance highlights Americans' trust in self-medication for common ailments alongside physician-guided therapies.
For context, OTC medications—available without a prescription at pharmacies like CVS or Walmart—include pain relievers, antacids, and allergy remedies. Prescription drugs, or Rx medications, require a doctor's order and are dispensed through pharmacies. The parity suggests effective regulatory switches allowing more drugs to go OTC, reducing healthcare costs and improving access, especially for the uninsured.
Top Medications: Pain Relievers Dominate the Rankings
Pain management drugs lead the pack, consistent with prior research. The top three overall were acetaminophen (Tylenol, 29.4%), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, 22.3%), and aspirin (15.8%). Remarkably, six of the top 10 medications are available OTC, reflecting their accessibility for headaches, muscle aches, and inflammation.
| Rank | Medication | Prevalence (Past 7 Days) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acetaminophen | 29.4% | OTC/Rx |
| 2 | Ibuprofen | 22.3% | OTC/Rx |
| 3 | Aspirin | 15.8% | OTC/Rx |
| 4 | Atorvastatin (Lipitor) | 6.4% | Rx |
| 5 | Naproxen (Aleve) | 6.3% | OTC/Rx |
| 6 | Lisinopril | 5.5% | Rx |
| 7 | Levothyroxine | 5.2% | Rx |
| 8 | Amlodipine | 4.6% | Rx |
| 9 | Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) | 5.2% | OTC |
| 10 | Omeprazole (Prilosec) | 4.6% | OTC/Rx |
Prescription standouts like atorvastatin—a statin for lowering cholesterol—and lisinopril—an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor for blood pressure—address chronic conditions. Full study details are available here.
Demographic Patterns: Age, Gender, and Usage Trends
Medication use rises sharply with age: 79.2% to 81.9% among those 65 and older, compared to lower rates in younger groups. Women reported higher overall use (66.6% vs. 57.3% for men), particularly acetaminophen (33.4% vs. 24.9%) and ibuprofen. Men favored statins like atorvastatin (7.6%).
- Young adults (18-29): Lower polypharmacy, more OTC for acute issues.
- Middle-aged (30-64): Balancing work stress, family, chronic onset.
- Seniors (65+): Highest Rx for cardiovascular, thyroid conditions.
Insurance plays a role: Employer-sponsored (37.9%), Medicare (23.9%), Medicaid (21.9%). Racial demographics: 76.4% White, 14.7% Black.
Comparing to the Past: Insights from the Slone Survey
This research updates the Slone Epidemiology Center Survey (1998-1999), where 81% used any medication weekly (including vitamins), 50% prescriptions. Top three remain acetaminophen (23% then vs. 29.4% now), ibuprofen (17% to 22.3%), aspirin (17% to 15.8%). Increases stem from generics and OTC switches (e.g., omeprazole 2003, cetirizine 2007). Declines like pseudoephedrine (8.1% to 1.4%) reflect the 2006 Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act.
Slone details: original publication.
Underlying Conditions Fueling Medication Demand
Among lifetime conditions, hypertension affected 14.1% with 73.1% treated; diabetes 21.6% with 71.2% treated; anxiety 33.1% with 43.4% treated. These drive Rx like lisinopril (high blood pressure), levothyroxine (hypothyroidism), atorvastatin (high cholesterol). Allergies (20.8%, 39.9% treated) boost antihistamines.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, involves sustained force against artery walls, risking heart disease, stroke. Diabetes is chronic high blood sugar impairing insulin. Step-by-step management: diagnosis via BP readings >130/80 or A1C >6.5%, lifestyle changes, then meds.
The Polypharmacy Challenge: 16% on Five or More Meds
16.3% used five or more medications weekly; 3.3% took 10+. Risks include drug interactions, adverse events, hospitalizations. Older adults face highest: 40%+ on 5+ Rx per recent data. Mitigation: regular reviews, deprescribing unnecessary meds.
- Adverse drug events: 250,000+ hospitalizations yearly in seniors.
- Costs: Increased healthcare spending.
- Solutions: Pharmacist consultations, apps like Medisafe.
Public Health Implications and Policy Considerations
The findings inform the 2025 Executive Order on drug prices, emphasizing affordability. OTC accessibility benefits 8-10% uninsured adults. For researchers analyzing pharmacoeconomics, this data baselines benefits/risks of regulatory changes. Academics in public health can explore careers in research jobs to advance such studies.
Stakeholders: FDA for OTC switches, insurers for coverage, patients for informed choices. Future: Monitor GLP-1s like semaglutide amid weight loss trends.
Expert Views and Future Outlook
Lead author Jody L. Green, PhD, notes no ongoing US source tracks actual use, filling a critical gap. Trends suggest rising chronic disease prevalence, aging population (Boomers), generics lowering barriers. Outlook: AI tools for interaction checks, personalized medicine via genomics.
Balanced view: Benefits outweigh risks for most, but vigilance needed. CDC reports 64.8% annual Rx use.
Photo by Jeff Trierweiler on Unsplash
Practical Advice for Safer Medication Use
Consumers: Read labels, check interactions via FDA site, discuss with pharmacists. Step-by-step: 1) List all meds, 2) Note conditions, 3) Consult doctor yearly, 4) Use pill organizers. For chronic users, explore health career advice including pharmacy roles. Explore job opportunities at higher-ed-jobs in health sciences.
- Avoid duplicates (e.g., multiple NSAIDs).
- Monitor side effects: GI bleeds from NSAIDs/aspirin.
- Lifestyle first: Diet, exercise for hypertension/diabetes.
