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Top medications prescribed by endocrinologists

More than 37 million Americans are estimated to have diabetes and nearly 1.5 million new cases are diagnosed each year. While this chronic condition is often managed through diet, activity and insulin measurement, endocrinologists play an important role in treating patients with diabetes.

For this analysis, we reviewed data from the Definitive Healthcare Atlas Prescription Claims and PhysicianView products for the top 20 most prescribed endocrine medications dispensed to U.S. patients in 2022.

Medications most prescribed by endocrinology specialists

RankDrug name Percent of U.S. endocrinology prescriptions dispensed in 2022 Explore dataset
1Levothyroxine sodium10.1%Explore
2Synthroid3.7%Explore
3Ozempic3.6%Explore
4Metformin hydrochloride3.4%Explore
5Trulicity3.3%Explore
6Metformin hydrochloride extended release2.7%Explore
7Jardiance2.5%Explore
8Atorvastatin calcium2.4%Explore
9Lantus solostar1.9%Explore
10Methimazole1.7%Explore
11Freestyle Libre 2 sensor1.7%Explore
12Dexcom G6 sensor1.5%Explore
13Vitamin D21.3%Explore
14Rosuvastatin calcium1.3%Explore
15Novolog flexpen1.3%Explore
16Glimepiride1.2%Explore
17Onetouch Verio test strip1.1%Explore
18Freestyle Libre 14 day sensor1.1%Explore
19Lisinopril1.1%Explore
20Farxiga1.0%Explore

Fig. 1  Data is from the Definitive Healthcare Atlas Prescription Claims and PhysicianView products for calendar year 2022. Claims data is sourced from multiple medical claims clearinghouses in the United States and updated monthly. Accessed August 2023.

What are the most common endocrine medications?

With more than 10% share of dispensed endocrine medications, levothyroxine sodium is the most prescribed drug by endocrinologists. The medication is used for hypothyroidism treatment, which is often a co-morbidity of diabetes. The second most common endocrine medication on the list, Synthroid, is a branded version of levothyroxine sodium.

Ozempic, which has been in the news because of some weight-loss-related side effects, is the third most popular endocrine medication, with 3.6% of 2022 dispensed prescriptions. And metformin hydrochloride, used for diabetes treatment and management, is the fourth most common endocrine medication dispensed in 2022.

What does an endocrinologist treat?

Endocrinologists specialize in the regulation of hormones and treatment of glands such as the thyroid and pancreas. Conditions they treat revolve around growth, weight, blood sugar management, and reproductive issues.

What is the most common disease treated by an endocrinologist?

Endocrinologists treat several conditions and diseases – the most common is diabetes.

Other conditions endocrinologists treat include:

  • Cholesterol problems
  • Diabetes
  • Growth hormone deficiency
  • Hypertension
  • Infertility
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Thyroid disorders

Learn more

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