Influence of patient sex and gender on medication use, adherence, and prescribing alignment with guidelines.

Background: This study evaluates the differences between women and men in medication use, medication adherence, and prescribing alignment with clinical guidelines.

Methods: We conducted an analysis of pharmacy and medical claims for 29.5 million adults with prescription benefits administered by a pharmacy benefits manager in the United States, age 18 and older, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010.