It is a large-scale survey that was carried out by Rural Families:the association has indeed compared the prices of free access medicines in 80 pharmacies (39 physical pharmacies and 41 websites) in its Observatory of the Price of Medicines 2016 And the conclusion is quite interesting. Thus, it is often difficult to know the price of drugs (generally due to poor labeling), the prices can vary from simple to triple and the “good deals” on the net are not necessarily…
The study looked at the price of 15 specific products, 12 drugs and 3 non-drug specialties. The price of Nurofen can thus go from €2 to €4.50, i.e. a variation of 2.25 times. The Nicopass, a device for quitting smoking, has a minimum recorded price of €14.99, but this price can go up to €31.30 (i.e. a variation of 2.09 times the price)! It is the Activir which has the highest coefficient of price variation:sold between €3.20 and €8.90, the price variation is 2.78… As for the prices offered by online pharmacies, s 'they are actually generally lower than those of physical pharmacies, you have to take into account the shipping costs, on average €5.91 (€3 minimum, €10 maximum), which generally cancels out the financial benefit.
The report also points to the fact that nearly 80% of medicine boxes have no price tag and only 39% of pharmacists issue a receipt. Result:it is extremely difficult to compare prices and move towards a pharmacy, a website or even a supermarket. Finally, since 2009, pharmacists have had a support mission which is accompanied by concrete actions (carrying out screenings, taking blood pressure, adapting a treatment, etc.). Out of 700 families surveyed, the vast majority admitted to not being aware of these missions.
The report concludes with a recommendation:always ask for prices before buying and do not hesitate to compare them before buying. Well noted!
