Anti-arthritic medication usage: United States, 1991

In 1991, about 70.3 million prescriptions for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were filled across the United States to treat arthritis and related musculoskeletal problems. The retail costs exceeded $2.2 billion in 1991 and were 6 percent higher than the costs in 1990 despite a 2.2 percent decrease in volume of prescriptions written. Per capita consumption averaged 278.6 prescriptions per 1,000 population with substantial variation by state. Kentucky led with 380.9 per 1,000 population and the District of Columbia had the lowest rate, 177.0. Ibuprofens were the most frequently prescribed class of NSAIDs, with Motrin capturing 20 percent of this generic class. Naproxen (Naprosyn) was the second most frequently prescribed class accounting for 19 percent of the NSAIDs.