Top 5 most expensive drugs for consumers

President Donald Trump put pharmaceutical CEOs on notice, demanding they lower drug prices or he promised to get involved. 

He penned a letter to 17 CEOs in July, outlining what he wants from the pharma industry to cut expenses for consumers.

In many cases, Americans are paying higher prices for drugs that treat common conditions, while customers in foreign countries pay less. 

FOX Business takes a look at the top five most expensive drugs by sales in the U.S. and what they are likely to cost consumers out of pocket. This rundown does not include coupons or special waivers some customers may be eligible for. 

Merck’s Keytruda – Various cancers

$11,795 per dose every 3 weeks 

Sales: $29.5 billion in global sales in 2024 

Source: Merck

Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic – Type 2 Diabetes

$997.58 per weekly pen for a 28-day supply. 

Still, the company tells FOX Business, “Most people don’t pay that price. In fact, nearly 90% of patients with insurance coverage for Ozempic® pay $25 or less.”

While approved for diabetes, it’s commonly used for weight loss but is not FDA approved for weight management. 

Sales: Over $17 billion in 2024.

Source: Novo Nordisk 

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro – Diabetes, weight loss 

Around $1,080 per month for a 28‑day supply of four pens.

Sales: $11.5 billion in global sales in 2024.

Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer’s Eliquis – blood thinner 

$500-$600 per month 

Sales: $11.4 billion in 2024 sales.

Gilead Science’s Biktarvy – HIV

$2,000-$3,000 per month.

Sales: $10 billion in 2024.

Source: Companies