The article focuses on the social aspects of development and functioning of the domestic pharmaceutical market. It dwells upon the interests and behavior of all pharmaceutical market players in Russia amid the recession: manufacturers, pharmacies, doctors, consumers, as well as the government and its role in the regulation of this process. The article consolidates data about the consumer prices of medicines in Russia throughout 2012–2016. Special focus is given to the change in the prices and sales of two medicine groups over 2010–2014: those included or not included in the essential medicines list. The author reviews the relation of all pharmaceutical market players to the price segmentation of drug sales in the retail commercial segment, procurement of FPPs under the auxiliary pharmaceutical assistance program and for therapeutic institutions in the Russian pharmaceutical market. In conclusion, the article proves a considerable impact of price factor on consumers of medicines, particularly, due to the decline in purchasing power.