Common Pain Relievers Lead US Medication Use Trends

New national survey data show that over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medication use are nearly identical in prevalence, with common pain relievers leading the list, as well as that nearly two-thirds of US adults report taking at least 1 OTC or prescription medication in a given week, underscoring the central role medications play in everyday health management. The findings provide updated, medication-specific prevalence estimates that can inform regulatory policy, pharmacoeconomic research, and public health surveillance.