The Quarter 1 2025 edition features expanded insights on dispensing trends, prescription pricing, vaccination services, and workforce indicators — offering members a clearer picture of sector performance and evolving demand.
Key findings from the report include:
- Most prescribed medicines in Q4 2024: Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole, Escitalopram, Metformin, Perindopril, and Sertraline.
- Highest prescription volumes by ATC Level 1:
- Cardiovascular System – 26.9 million prescriptions
- Nervous System – 20.2 million prescriptions
- Alimentary Tract and Metabolism – 14 million prescriptions
- Top 10 highest-cost drugs dispensed: Aflibercept, Ustekinumab, Dupilumab, Semaglutide, Denosumab, Apixaban, Rosuvastatin, Upadacitinib, Molnupiravir, Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir.
- Pharmacy-delivered vaccinations: The share of vaccinations administered by community pharmacies rose significantly across all vaccine types between 2022 and 2024.
- Retail performance: Pharmaceutical retail turnover continued to outperform the broader retail sector, with strong year-on-year growth.
- Labour market insights:
- National unemployment held steady at 4% since July 2024
- Underemployment declined from 6.9% (Feb 2024) to 6.1% (Mar 2025)
- Job ads for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants rebounded following a dip in the previous quarter
Note: The latest available data extends to March 2025.
Guild members can read the full report here.
