Cardiovascular Disease Dominates German Prescriptions: NOVENTI Report Highlights Trends in 2025

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in Germany, driving a significant demand for related medications. A novel analysis from NOVENTI Health SE, one of Germany’s largest prescription billing companies, reveals that nearly one in three prescriptions processed in 2025 was for a cardiovascular medication. The report, based on over 174 million e-prescriptions billed, underscores the critical role pharmacies play in prevention and long-term health management.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Medications

The high prevalence of cardiovascular prescriptions reflects the widespread nature of heart-related illnesses in Germany, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. Many patients require ongoing medication to manage conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, and high cholesterol.

Pharmacies: A First Point of Contact for Health

Local pharmacies are increasingly vital in preventative care and supporting patient therapy. Beyond dispensing medications, many pharmacies now offer pharmaceutical services (pDL), including blood pressure measurements and medication counseling. These services empower patients to monitor their health and adhere to treatment plans.

“For many people, pharmacies are the first point of contact for health questions. With services such as blood pressure measurements, they help patients to better understand their therapy and keep an eye on illnesses at an early stage – and thus save lives,”

Mark Böhm, CEO of NOVENTI Health SE

Prescription Trends: Beyond Cardiovascular Health

Following cardiovascular medications, prescriptions for the nervous system – primarily painkillers and related treatments – accounted for approximately 17% of NOVENTI’s prescriptions in 2025. Digestive and metabolic medications, including those for diabetes and stomach issues, comprised around 12%.

Cost of Prescriptions: E-Prescriptions vs. Paper Prescriptions

The average prescription value in Germany in 2025 was €102.60. Yet, a significant cost difference exists between electronic and paper prescriptions. Paper prescriptions, which can include up to three medications, averaged €230.90, while e-prescriptions, issued individually, averaged €73.53.

The Rising Cost of Specialty Medications

While common medications remain relatively affordable, the healthcare system faces increasing costs due to expensive specialty therapies. Immunomodulating drugs, used to treat conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases, can cost over €1,700 per prescription. These “high-priced” prescriptions (those exceeding €1,200) represented approximately 46% of all prescriptions submitted to NOVENTI in 2025, a 5% increase from 2022.

Key Takeaways

• Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major health concern in Germany, driving high prescription rates.
• Pharmacies play a crucial role in preventative care and patient support through pharmaceutical services.
• E-prescriptions are significantly more cost-effective than paper prescriptions.
• Specialty medications are a major driver of increasing healthcare costs.

Looking Ahead

As Germany continues to embrace digital healthcare solutions, like e-prescriptions, and as the population ages, managing the cost of specialized treatments while ensuring access to essential medications will remain a key challenge. Further data and analysis are available at the NOVENTI Data Hub.