More Americans cutting back on prescription medications

NEW YORK Economic difficulties are causing more Americans to forego prescription drugs, according to The New York Times.

Costs for housing and food are trumping costs for drugs, and some patients have stopped taking drugs for chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and high cholesterol. Some drug makers have reported decreases in sales of certain drugs, while IMS Health has reported reductions in prescriptions being dispensed.

The Times reported that the trend could cause increases in complications from chronic disease.