The 10 most prescribed drugs in the U.S. (and how to save on them)

Over half the American population (66%, or more than 131 million people, to be exact) take prescription drugs. But have you ever wondered which medications are prescribed the most? And how much they cost? (Or is it just us data nerds?)  

If you’ve filled a prescription recently, you probably know about the rising costs of medication — in short, Americans truly pay the lion’s share. But fear not: there are lots of ways to save on your 'scripts. (We’re partial to prescription savings coupons and this handy search tool, where you can compare prices and download coupons to use at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide!) 

For the curious, check out a list of the 10 most prescribed drugs in the U.S., courtesy of GoodRx. And because we really love numbers, see examples of how much you can save on each with a coupon from Kasasa Care and GoodRx*.  

One last thing before we get into it: this information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kasasa Care is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy, or other information on the site. Kasasa Care provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. 

The 10 most prescribed drugs in the U.S.  

1. Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Atorvastatin (or its brand name, Lipitor) is prescribed to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The medication is considered a statin, which are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. Taking atorvastatin may reduce the risk of angina (severe pain in the chest caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart), stroke, heart attack, and heart and blood vessel problems.  

Here’s an example of how much you can save on atorvastatin when you use a coupon:

2. Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) 

Lisinopril (also known as Prinivil and Zestril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow easier to the heart and brain. It can also prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems, and reduce the risk of death after a heart attack.  

Here’s an example of how much you can save on lisinopril when you use a coupon: 

3. Albuterol (Accuneb, Ventolin, Proair, Proventil) 

Albuterol (brand names including Accuneb, Ventolin, Proair, and Proventil) is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm, when the airways (bronchial tubes) go into spasm and contract, causing frequent coughing and wheezing. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist and works by relaxing the muscles in the lungs. This medication is usually prescribed for people with asthma.  

Here’s an example of how much you can save on albuterol when you use a coupon:

4. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl, Levo-T, Euthyrox) 

Levothyroxine (or Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl, Levo-T, and Euthyrox) is a synthetic thyroid hormone known as a thyroxine that can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency. Though there are several generic and brand-name prescriptions available, these medications aren’t interchangeable. (So once you are prescribed one, it’s best to stick with it. Bonus: you can save on each and every prescription refill!) 

Here’s an example of how much you can save on levothyroxine when you use a coupon:

5. Amlodipine (Norvasc, Amvaz)

Amlodipine (also known as Norvasc and Amvaz) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It also happens to be one of the most commonly prescribed heart medications, making the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines for basic healthcare. Amlodipine works by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow easier. 

Here’s an example of how much you can save on amlodipine when you use a coupon:

6. Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Gabapentin (or brand-name Neurontin) is used to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy and nerve pain. Gabapentin works by reducing irregular impulses in the brain that cause seizures and pain.  

Here’s an example of how much you can save on gabapentin when you use a coupon: 

7. Omeprazole (Prilosec)

Omeprazole (or Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which works by healing the esophagus and by decreasing the amount of stomach acid. Omeprazole is commonly used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach, like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You might have noticed it on your pharmacy’s shelves, too — it’s available as an over-the-counter drug.  

Here’s an example of how much you can save on omeprazole when you use a coupon: 

8. Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin (or Glucophage) is used in combination with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed diabetes medications out there. Considered a biguanide, it helps decrease the amount of glucose that is absorbed.  

Here’s an example of how much you can save on metformin when you use a coupon: 

9. Losartan (Cozaar) 

Losartan (or Cozaar) is used to treat high blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and slow the progression of kidney disease in patients with diabetes. It’s an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which relaxes blood vessels allowing more efficient pumping of the heart. 

Here’s an example of how much you can save on losartan when you use a coupon: 

10. Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen (Zolvit, Lorcet, Vicodin, Hycet, Xodol, Norco, Lortab, Maxidone) 

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen (brand names including Zolvit, Lorcet, Vicodin, Hycet, Xodol, Norco, Lortab, and Maxidone) are combination drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain. They work by reducing inflammation and by affecting parts of the brain to relieve pain. 

Here’s an example of how much you can save on hydrocodone and acetaminophen when you use a coupon: 

How to save on your prescription medication

 Our first tip would be to try switching to generic medication, which use the same active ingredients and work in the same way as their name-brand counterparts. (We also corralled 18 more top tips on ways to save here, if you’re curious.) 

But our favorite tip? Whether your medication made the list or not, you can save each and every time you visit your local pharmacy — up to 80% off retail price, to be exact — when you use a coupon. Kasasa Care’s partnership with GoodRx allows you to search for your prescription medication at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. (Even your go-to family-owned one!)  

Try it out here and see for yourself — just a few minutes searching could save you thousands of dollars every year. 

*Prices researched in February 2022 in ZIP 78730. Priced vary by location, date, and dosage.