Trends in Manufacturer Prices of Prescription Drugs Used by Older Americans

Research Report

These AARP Public Policy Institute reports present the results of studies of changes in manufacturers' prescription drug list prices (i.e., the prices set by drug manufacturers to charge wholesalers and other direct purchasers for drug products) for roughly 200 brand name and 75 generic prescription drugs most widely used by Americans age 50+.

Specifically, the reports compare price changes with the rate of inflation from one year to the next and, beginning in 2004, show changes on a quarterly basis. They also present differences in average price changes by manufacturer and by major therapeutic category. The sample of drugs studied was identified using 2003 data from the AARP Pharmacy Service, and changes in prices charged by drug manufacturers to wholesalers were measured using changes in the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC).

For more information, please contact David Gross at 202/434-3895.

Brand Name Prescription Drugs

NEW Second Quarter 2005 Update (Publication ID: DD128), October 2005 (PDF, 14 pages)

First Quarter 2005 Update (Publication ID: DD121), July 2005 (PDF, 14 pages)

2004 Year-End Update (Publication ID: DD112), April 2005 (PDF, 17 pages)

First Quarter 2004 Update (Publication ID: IB69), June 2004 (PDF, 14 pages)

Baseline Study (Publication ID: 2004-06), May 2004/Revised June 2004 (PDF, 44 pages)

Generic Prescription Drugs

NEW Second Quarter 2005 Update (Publication ID: DD127), October 2005 (PDF, 1 page)

First Quarter 2005 Update (Publication ID: DD122), July 2005 (PDF, 4 pages)

2004 Year-End Update (Publication ID: DD113), April 2005 (PDF, 5 pages)

Second and Third Quarter 2004 Update (Publication ID: DD110), February 2005 (PDF, 4 pages)

First Quarter 2004 Update (Publication ID: DD103), October 2004 (PDF, 4 pages)

Baseline Study (Publication ID: 2004-12), October 2004 (PDF, 41 pages)