According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for nonprescription drugs were 3.89% lower in 2021 versus 2012 (a $0.39 difference in value).
Between 2012 and 2021: Nonprescription drugs experienced an average inflation rate of -0.44% per year. In other words, nonprescription drugs costing $10 in the year 2012 would cost $9.61 in 2021 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 1.73% during this same period, inflation for nonprescription drugs was lower.
In the year 2012: Pricing changed by 0.73%, which is above the average yearly change for nonprescription drugs during the 2012-2021 time period. Compared to inflation for all items in 2012 (2.07%), inflation for nonprescription drugs was lower.
Raw Consumer Price Index data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Nonprescription drugs:
| Year | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| CPI | 100.000 | 99.958 | 98.622 | 99.338 | 99.356 | 98.537 | 97.772 | 96.630 | 97.424 | 96.923 | 97.287 | 96.447 | 95.472 |
Below are calculations of equivalent buying power for Nonprescription drugs, over time, for $10 beginning in 2012. Each of the amounts below is equivalent in terms of what it could buy at the time:
| Year | USD Value | Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $10.00 | 0.73% |
| 2013 | $10.00 | 0.02% |
| 2014 | $9.92 | -0.82% |
| 2015 | $9.84 | -0.78% |
| 2016 | $9.73 | -1.17% |
| 2017 | $9.81 | 0.82% |
| 2018 | $9.76 | -0.51% |
| 2019 | $9.79 | 0.38% |
| 2020 | $9.71 | -0.86% |
| 2021 | $9.61 | -1.01%* |