- New Medco study finds Philadelphia County adults using more prescription drugs for diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., July 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new study released today reveals that adults living in the country's fifth largest city are now faced with a growing health problem; increased prevalence of chronic and complex conditions. Many commonly used therapy classes including drugs to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and migraines all have experienced increases in adults 20 and older.

The analysis, conducted by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MHS) the nation's leading pharmacy benefit manager, reviewed the prescription drug claims for the insured population in Philadelphia county between 2007 and 2008. Diabetes medication spiked across all age groups and most significantly adults, with the 65-plus population experiencing a 42 percent increase and adults age 20 and older increasing their use of diabetes medications by more than one-third. The study also revealed that medications to treat heart-related problems, specifically medications used to reduce blood clotting, treat high cholesterol and lower blood pressure also are on the rise, 25.1 percent, 16.7 percent and 20.5 percent, respectively among the population aged 20 and older.

"The data reveals that the health of Philadelphia's adult population is falling victim to chronic conditions that many Americans are facing today," said Glenn Taylor, who presides over Medco's labor and government accounts. "The citizens in this great city should work together to promote healthy lifestyles by remaining active, eating healthy and staying adherent to medication regimens, all of which provide a solid foundation for a promising future."

Additionally, migraine medication among Philadelphians ages 45 to 64 increased 12.5 percent since 2007. Medications used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis, jumped 9.1 percent among Philadelphians ages 20 to 44, 16.2 percent among 45 to 64 year olds and 44.9 percent among Philadelphians 65-plus.

The incidence of adults with high blood pressure and diabetes surpass the national average according to the Philadelphia 2009 State of the City developed by The Pew Charitable Trusts/Philadelphia Research Initiative. Thirty-six percent of adults in Philadelphia have high blood pressure compared with 32 percent nationwide; similarly, 13 percent of adults have diabetes compared with eight percent nationwide.