Julie Slezak, MS

Significant factors for 2011 prescription utilization include the recession, change in employment rate, new generic and brand launches, and changes in Baby Boomers' retirement plans.

This retrospective study of 558.9 million prescription claims explores how member age demographics affect prescription drug trends and provides top therapeutic classes by generation.

The increase in generic medications, changes in utilization patterns, and the significant decrease in the approval of new molecular entities have slowed 2008 pharmacy trends to historically low levels.

Although utilization of benzodiazepines is expected to continue to increase, overall class costs should remain low because of the availability of generics.

Part 1 of this 2-part overview of prescription drug trend focuses on important therapeutic classes for all generations.