Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up. – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Since President Trump began his second term, the administration has rolled out a series of steps to address prescription drug costs, most notably the launch of the TrumpRx.gov platform in early 2026. The site allows cash-paying patients to purchase certain medications directly from manufacturers at reduced rates aligned with prices in other developed nations. While these efforts have produced notable drops for specific high-cost treatments, data from the first months of the year show that list prices for hundreds of other drugs have moved higher.
Key Steps Taken to Address Prescription Costs
The administration introduced TrumpRx as a central tool for consumers seeking lower prices without relying on insurance. Through the platform, participating manufacturers offer discounted rates on select branded drugs, with some tied to most-favored-nation pricing agreements. Additional measures included executive actions aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing and streamlining access to lower-cost options for certain therapies. These initiatives built on earlier negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. Deals covered a limited set of medications, focusing on popular and expensive treatments such as GLP-1 drugs used for diabetes and weight management. The approach emphasized direct-to-consumer sales to bypass traditional distribution channels.
Concrete Reductions on High-Profile Treatments
Several medications available through TrumpRx now carry substantially lower monthly prices for eligible buyers. Ozempic and injectable Wegovy, for instance, dropped from over $1,000 to an average of $350, with some dosages as low as $199. Zepbound saw similar cuts, moving from roughly $1,088 to an average of $346. Fertility medications also benefited. Gonal-F prices fell to as low as $168 per pen in some cases, while Cetrotide decreased from $316 to $22.50 and Ovidrel from $251 to $84. Inhalers such as Bevespi Aerosphere received discounts from $458 down to $51. These changes provide meaningful relief for patients who can access the platform and pay out of pocket.
Continued Increases Across a Wide Range of Drugs
Despite the targeted reductions, broader price trends point in the opposite direction. Since the start of the second term, manufacturers raised list prices on 688 drugs, including both brand-name and generic products. The median increase stood at 5.5 percent, with 25 medications more than doubling in cost. In January 2026 alone, companies that had reached agreements with the administration still implemented higher prices on hundreds of products. One analysis found 872 brand-name drugs saw increases in the first two weeks of the year, at a median rate of 4 percent. These adjustments affect patients whose out-of-pocket expenses tie directly to list prices, including those with high-deductible plans or no coverage.
Practical Effects for Everyday Consumers
The mixed picture leaves many Americans facing higher overall prescription expenses. TrumpRx covers only about 80 drugs out of thousands approved by the FDA, and some of those discounts mirror savings already available through existing coupon programs. Patients relying on medications outside the platform often encounter the full impact of the broader price rises. Seniors and individuals managing chronic conditions remain particularly exposed. While select therapies now cost far less for direct purchasers, the majority of prescriptions continue under standard pricing structures that have not declined. This gap underscores the challenge of translating platform-specific deals into widespread relief. The administration’s focus on drug pricing has highlighted real savings opportunities for some users. At the same time, the data on list price movements show that many patients continue to absorb higher costs in the months following the launch of these initiatives.
