Prescription medicine prices vary hugely across pharmacies, survey finds

The cost of commonly used prescription drugs can almost double between one pharmacy in the State and another, according to a new study.

Wide price variations and a lack of price transparency in the pharmacy sector are highlighted in the study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). None of the more than 1,500 pharmacies surveyed displayed prices on their websites, and one in eight that replied to a call or email did not provide a price, despite regulatory guidance stating pharmacies should provide medicine prices to patients.

Prices in pharmacies owned by chains were significantly higher than in independently owned pharmacies, the researchers found.

“The large price variation for prescription drugs and the lack of transparency from pharmacies is a problem, as it may mean that some people are paying too much for their medication. Or worse, some people are not buying their medication because it costs too much,” according to lead author James Larkin of RCSI’s department of general practice.

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“This is particularly concerning given the current cost-of-living crisis and resulting cost pressures that many are facing. Consideration needs to be given by Government to measures that enforce price transparency or regulating prices.”

Historically, Ireland has had some of the highest prescription drug prices in Europe. Sixty per cent of the population is not covered by medical cards or other State subsidies of the cost of medicines.

“For each of the 12 drugs investigated, the average price quoted was higher than the Health Service Executive reimbursement price for medical card patients. For example, for famciclovir, the average price quoted to us was €46.00 – €8.69 higher than the reimbursement price of €37.31.”

Prices varied widely. Researchers found a typical prescription of prednisolone, a commonly prescribed steroid, costs some €5 more – 88 per cent higher – in the most expensive pharmacies, compared to the least expensive pharmacies.

Aspirin had the largest variation in quoted price; the top 10 per cent of quotes averaged €9.12, 97 per cent higher than the €4.62 charged by the bottom 10 per cent.

The average price quoted to researchers was higher than the price paid by the State for medical card patients who can access subsidised medicines.

For nine of the 12 drugs, the price was significantly higher for chain pharmacies compared to independent pharmacies.

Co-author Prof James O’Mahony called on the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to make “a great push for transparency” on drug prices.

The research team investigated the prices of 12 commonly prescribed drugs by calling more than 1,500 community pharmacies, emailing 320 and checking the website of 370. A total of 1,529 pharmacies responded to queries; 1,362 by telephone and 167 by email. The study has been published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy.

The Irish Pharmacy Union said its members are independent businesses obliged to set prices independently. Although pharmacies are committed to transparency, “it is simply not possible to display the price of every medication in every dosage and quantity”, it said.

The PSI said its remit does not extend to pricing. According to a spokeswoman, it is reasonable for customers to ask pharmacists about the price of medicines and to check prices across a few pharmacies “if this is feasible”.