The total medicines reimbursed by health insurance in 2023 amounts to 25.5 billion euros. This amount comes from the latest report on the key figures for medicines in France, unveiled Thursday, November 14, by health insurance. This increase is part of a dynamic that began in 2020. Between 2021 and 2023, reimbursements increased to reach an annual growth rate of 3.4%, with better support for policyholders which stands at nearly 91 %.
The French consume 41 boxes of medicine per year
The average reimbursement for medicines amounts to 410 euros per year. This amount logically varies depending on age. For those under 18, the amount reaches 131 euros per year, compared to 430 euros for 44-64 year olds and 785 euros for 64-79 year olds. However, a gap is observed between men and women from the age of 65.
Between 65 and 79 years old, a woman consumes on average 75 boxes of medicine per year, for an annual reimbursement of 647 euros, while a man, who consumes the same, is reimbursed on average to the tune of 944 euros. This disparity is explained by the type of disease treated, combined with the sometimes high cost of certain specific treatments, particularly to combat prostate cancer. On average, French people consume 41 boxes of medicine per year.
Paracetamol, the most prescribed molecule in France
Despite a decline observed since 2012, the use of antibiotics remains high. France is still ranked 5e rank among European countries in this area, i.e. a use of 30% above the average. 40% of the French population will be prescribed antibiotics during the year 2023. Beyond antibiotics, paracetamol (Doliprane or Efferalgan) is by far the most consumed molecule in volume: 415 million boxes sold in pharmacies last year.
Doliprane alone accounts for nearly 75% of the number of boxes delivered out of the more than 660 million boxes of medicines sold in 2023. The most reimbursed drug is an oral anticoagulant, Eliquis, prescribed to prevent strokes in particular. cerebral (stroke), pulmonary embolism or phlebitis. In 2023, it represents 755 million euros reimbursed, with an average amount of expenditure of 476 euros per patient, or 93.4% reimbursement.
82% of doctors say they feel pressure to prescribe medication
Faced with these figures, health insurance is warning against overconsumption of medications through a vast information and awareness campaign to encourage rational use. Today, one in two French people are waiting for a prescription for medication following a consultation with their doctor. And only one consultation in five does not result in a medication prescription.
As for the medical profession, 82% of general practitioners say they feel some form of pressure from their patients on this subject. However, a paradigm shift could emerge in the coming years since 88% of French people believe that medication consumption is too high. A figure in agreement with the doctors’ unions, which have committed to reducing the volume of antibiotics prescribed by 10% in 2025 and by 25% in 2027.
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