According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for nonprescription drugs were 2.79% lower in 2021 versus 2019 (a $0.28 difference in value).
Between 2019 and 2021: Nonprescription drugs experienced an average inflation rate of -1.40% per year. In other words, nonprescription drugs costing $10 in the year 2019 would cost $9.72 in 2021 for an equivalent purchase. Compared to the overall inflation rate of 1.29% during this same period, inflation for nonprescription drugs was lower.
In the year 2019: Pricing changed by 0.38%, which is above the average yearly change for nonprescription drugs during the 2019-2021 time period. Compared to inflation for all items in 2019 (1.81%), 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 | 94.573 |
Below are calculations of equivalent buying power for Nonprescription drugs, over time, for $10 beginning in 2019. Each of the amounts below is equivalent in terms of what it could buy at the time:
| Year | USD Value | Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.00 | 0.38% |
| 2020 | $9.91 | -0.86% |
| 2021 | $9.72 | -1.94%* |