Huge variation in the price of medicines

Prices for over-the-counter medicines, such as headache tablets and cough mixtures, vary considerably, a survey has shown.

Inspectors from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs found that larger shops, such as Dunnes Stores, Tesco and Super Valu, were cheaper for seasonal remedies. Pharmacies came second, while convenience stores were the most expensive.

The greatest price variation for a 10-pack of Alka Seltzer in Dublin was €1.43. The dearest outlet surveyed for the product was Spar in Westmoreland Street (€3.99), while the cheapest was ADC chemists in Kilnamanagh (€2.56).

Surveys also found major price variations between Dublin and Cork, with prices typically more expensive in the capital.

The biggest variation in Cork was 85c for a 24-pack of Disprin. The most expensive outlet to be surveyed for the product was McCauley's Chemist, Blackpool (€3.00), while the cheapest was Phelan's Late Night Pharmacy, Patrick Street (€2.15).

The Director of Consumer Affairs, Ms Carmel Foley, said the survey, conducted last week, showed clear savings could be made if consumers shopped around.

"The campaign we started just a month ago now is very timely and relevant in the run-up to Christmas. This survey of prices carried out by inspectors yet again proves the point. The evidence is there and all we have to do is act upon it."

The Irish Pharmaceutical Union said the results confirmed its long-held belief that pharmacies were competing effectively with supermarkets. "We noted that pharmacies were cheapest for three out of the six products in Dublin, and four out of six in Cork," a spokeswoman said.

"That's a considerable achievement for our members who are smaller retailers competing in a very competitive over-the-counter market."

The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs has launched a two-month advertising campaign to encourage consumers to shop around for the best prices.

Recent spot checks by inspectors have shown significant price variations in areas such as potatoes, tins of beans, pints of Guinness, dry cleaning, CDs and car insurance.

"There is an extraordinary variation out there and by and large the retailers or business sector don't want to explain it," Ms Foley said.