Consumer Council recently conducted a price check on over-the-counter drugs (nonprescription). An average price discrepancy of about 20 percent was revealed in most of the surveyed items, prices of one item sold in different outlets even differed for over 80 percent. Consumers are advised to check with the Council’s ‘Specific price survey’.

Consumer Council conducted its price check on over-the-counter drugs from 26 drugstores on 11th May, surveying 6 different drugs, including remedies for cold and flu, cough syrup, and stomachache medicine, etc. Prices of 3 of the surveyed drugs recorded price differences of about 20 percent. On top of the list was ‘Advance Cough Suspension (120ml)’, which recorded a price difference of 81.8 percent, ranging from $31.90 to $58.00 in different outlets. Prices of ‘WEISEN-U (30 tablets)’ in different outlets also differed for almost $30.00 (from $42.50 to $72.00), which was about 70 percent.

The Council indicates that the specific price survey on over-the-counter drugs revealed that selling prices of the same item sold in different outlets varied significantly and consumers are advised to check on the resources available to make comparisons. The specific price survey on over-the-counter drugs is now available on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo).

Further, consumers are advised to have consultation with a physician when not feeling well. If over-the-counter drugs are to be taken, consumers should take note of the precautions and intended dosage described on the package, cease taking of the drugs if any illness occur, and seek medical help.

Consumer Council also indicates that consumers need to take into account whether the package label is complete when buying nonprescription medicines; information such as name of the medicine, ingredients, dosage, batch number, and expiry date are all to be considered other than the price.