Top chemical substances dispensed in England 2023, by item number

Atorvastatin was the top dispensed chemical drug in England in 2023 with more than 63 million items supplied. This drug is only available via a prescription in the United Kingdom and is used to lower the cholesterol of individuals who suffer from high cholesterol. Thus, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in the process. The third most dispensed drug in this year was levothyroxine sodium which is used to treat those with an underactive thyroid gland, otherwise known as hypothyroidism.

The problem with cholesterol

High cholesterol is classed as having a cholesterol level in the blood supply higher than 5.0 mmol/l. High levels of cholesterol in England are particularly prevalent within people aged 55 and older. In 2018/19, there were approximately 76 percent of women aged 55 to 59 years were classed as living with high cholesterol. The amount of people living with excess levels of cholesterol in England can indicate a reason for Atorvastatin being the most dispensed drug in England.

Dangers of heart disease

As mentioned, another result of high cholesterol is the increased risk of heart disease. Although the number of people diagnosed with coronary heart disease has been fluctuating since 2012. In addition, the mortality rate from heart disease in the UK has been declining since 2000, accounting for 101 deaths per 100,000 population in 2021.