This section shows the breakdown of prescriptions issued in the UK, by therapeutic area.
Figure 1 – Number of prescriptions dispensed in various disease areas, UK, 1995–2011
The number of prescriptions for the cardiovascular system have increased significantly since 1995, due to new medicines on the market targeting this area. The prescription volumes for other disease areas have remained fairly constant.
Source: OHE Guide to UK Health and Health Care Statistics
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Figure 2 – Net Ingredient Cost (NIC) of prescriptions dispensed in various disease areas, UK, 1995–2011, £millions
The Net Ingredient Cost (NIC) of prescriptions for cardiovascular disease has decreased significantly since 2004, as some of the medicines targeting this area came off patent. The increase in NIC for medicines targeting diseases of the central nervous system is due to the combined effect of newer medicines for a varied group of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, migraine, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Source: OHE Guide to UK Health and Health Care Statistics
Notes: NIC = Net Ingredient Cost