The volume of total U.S. dispensed prescriptions grew 3.2 percent after adjusting for longer-duration mail order prescriptions, a modest increase over 2003.

Slowdown Factors

A mild flu season, increased over-the-counter use of anti-ulcerants and antihistamines (a practice encouraged by managed care plans), competition from generic drugs, decreased prescription volumes due in part to increased insurance co-pays, and safety concerns with antidepressants are some of the other factors that contributed to the modest growth, according to IMS.

Biotech remained an industry growth engine in 2004, with sales increasing by 17 percent. Notable contributions came from Bristol-Myers Squibb/Imclone