How Common Is Recent Medication Use Among US Adults?

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications play a central role in routine symptom management and chronic disease care in the United States. In a large, population-based, online survey conducted from June 2023 to April 2024, investigators analyzed medication use patterns among 21,000 US adults aged 18 years and older. Using structured recall methods to capture past 7-day use, the study examined overall prevalence of medication use, differences by age and sex, and the most reported agents. The findings provide contemporary, medication-specific prevalence estimates that help contextualize the scope of medication exposure in everyday clinical practice.

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