NEVER PAY OVER THE ODDS FOR PAINKILLERS

MOST EXPENSIVE:

Nurofen Express Liquid Capsules Ibuprofen 200mg

£4.09 for 16 at Boots

CHEAPEST: Ibruprofen 200mg

39p for 16 at Aldi

SAVING PER YEAR: £16.10

PATIENTS can end up spending a small fortune on painkillers, taking them for a wide variety of reasons. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, while paracetamol is often used to bring down a fever.

Most supermarkets sell almost the same drug at three or four price points: Sainsbury’s sells a 16-pack of paracetamol for 50p, another for 75p, and Panadol for £1.65. Then there’s Panadol

Extra, at £2.70. So what’s the difference? Very little.

The cheapest, unbranded versions often come without a gel coating, or in more flimsy packaging. The next price up – such as Sainsbury’s 75p Paracetamol – have a sheer coating on each tablet, or come as capsules, making them easier to swallow. Branded products are either coated tablets or capsules, but all versions contain the same dose. Those labelled as ‘extra’ or ‘fast-acting’, including Nurofen Express, contain additions such as caffeine and potassium that are said to speed up the rate at which they are absorbed into the bloodstream. But studies show little difference in the rate of pain relief when caffeine is involved. The only reason to spend more than 50p on a packet of painkillers is if you have trouble swallowing pills.

Total savings are based on studies showing that the average Briton takes 70 painkillers a year.