The High Cost of Prescription Drugs in the United States

The increasing cost of prescription drugs in the United States has become a source of concern for patients, prescribers, payers, and policy makers.

To review the origins and effects of high drug prices in the US market and to consider policy options that could contain the cost of prescription drugs. EVIDENCE: We reviewed the peer-reviewed medical and health policy literature from January 2005 to July 2016 for articles addressing the sources of drug prices in the United States, the justifications and consequences of high prices, and possible solutions.