Cheaper medicines help ease the pain

CHEAP drugs! That’s not something you’d want to shout out in a crowd, but it’s worth thinking about privately as many consumers waste money by sticking to old habits when paying for medicines. A price analysis by Chemists’ Own has found generic pharmacy brands can be up to a third cheaper than big-name brands. Generic painkillers cost up to 33 per cent less, antihistamines up to 35 per cent less and cold sore cream is 23 per cent cheaper, it found.

It says consumers can also save by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet, which prevents overspending on expensive “distress purchases” when feeling unwell, and they should avoid buying pharmaceuticals at convenience stores or supermarkets where buying without a pharmacist’s advice can waste money on ineffective medication.

Chemists’ Own business manager Daniela Priekopa said consumers should feel confident with generic brands “as they have the same ingredients and meet the same quality standards as the big brand names you see advertised”.

Pharmacist Anastasia Tomeo said consumers should speak to pharmacists, who could help prevent them from doubling up on medications and dosages that could cause higher costs.

“Be comfortable to talk to your pharmacist – we are ready, available and we are free of charge,” she said.

Chemist Warehouse Group chief operating officer Mario Tascone said prices for the same common antibiotic could range from $5 to $15 so it was worth comparing costs online before buying.

“Pricing is pretty transparent, so you can get on a website, type in a product and find out where to get it the cheapest,” he said. “Question everything and shop around.”

Mr Tascone said consumers should look for pharmacies that offered $1 discounts on prescriptions for both general patients and pensioners, after the government allowed these discounts from January last year.

“A lot of pharmacies started giving that $1 discount but don’t do it any more,” he said.