Abstract
Objective: To analyze the individual spending on medicines in the population over 60 years old, to demonstrate the way in which the elderly acquire the medicines used and their epidemiological profile. Methods: We selected individuals with a minimum age of 60 years, living in Juiz de Fora / MG and approached in public places with high population flow, such as squares and shopping centers. The volunteerees perfomed a questionnaire that provided data with information on the health of the elderly, use of the Unified Health System (SUS) service, the use of medications and their monthly expenditure. Results: After interviewing 233 individuals, there was a predominance of females (60,5%) and the average age of participants was 69 years. Antihypertensive drugs were the most used and among these, the subgroup of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers. The age group of 70-79 years was the one that most used antihypertensive, antidiabetic, statin and antiplatelet agents. The average monthly expenditure on medicines was R$ 201,30. Conclusion: That systemic arterial hypertension is the disease responsible for most of the drugs used and drug spending is proportional to aging, especially among elderly SUS users.