Differences of up to 1,400% in pharmacies

Belo Horizonte is among the 10 State capitals with greater variation of prices of medicines paracetamol, analgesic known; Clonazepam, generic Rivotril, and Dicoflenaco, according to a survey of prices of medicines made in capital by ICTQ 16-Institute for research and graduate studies for the pharmaceutical market. The survey showed that the capital recorded nearly 1,400% variation in the price of a medicine. The paracetamol of 750 mg was found in R$ value 1.00 in the lowest price, and by R$ 14.97. The difference is 1,397%.

In search of Paracetamol, BH was in third position in the ranking, behind Recife (PE), in second place with 1,573% price disparity, and Curitiba (PR), in first, with 3,868% difference. When analyzed the 50 mg, generic Clonazepam Rivotril, the capital was in fourth place with 370% variation in prices. The drug was found in BH in the extremes of 5.90 and R$ R$ 27.75. The medicine only varied more in São Paulo (398%), Campo Grande (411%) and Brasília (504%), third, second and first place, respectively.

The better performance of mining capital was checked when observed Dicoflenaco 50 mg prices in this product, the variation was 283% and can be found in a range of $ 3 to R$ 11.50. BH was in ninth position in the ranking.

Marcus Vinicius Andrade, Director of research of the ICTQ, responsible for the survey, many circumstances may contribute to price variation as high is reached. Taxation can be one of the factors. He points out that some regions, even within cities, can some benefits and this has direct influence on prices on the shelves. There is also the influence of large networks in dispute with neighborhood pharmacies. The first can-by buying larger volumes of products – negotiate and this can result in more competitive values. "The small vendors end up having more difficulty in the hour of trading by buying smaller volumes and this increases the price by which they have to market the medicine," says Marcus Vinicius.

Another point noted by the Director of research is related to the possible promotions that make the point of sale. "Often the merchant reduce the price on a given medicine to get the attention of customers and cash the index in other products. The consumer always have to be aware of this kind of situation as well, "analyzes.

Marcus Vinicius, however, provides other tips for the consumer and stresses that often observe only the price may not be a good deal. It is interesting to note if the pharmacy there is no pharmacist. The professional can be sought if consumers have any remedy. Plus, he can take responsibility for the origin of the medicine and thus serve as a guarantor of quality.

The price survey, however, still works as the most effective tool and the most practical of the consumer do this balance between security on the origin of the medicine and lower price. The client will be exposed to variations ranging from irregular issues such as marketing of mendicamentos from charges that may have been stolen, until the market issues, as analysed the Director of research.

He stresses the need for patients to stay attentive to the indications for medicines made by doctors and pharmacists, who may be related to commercial agreements. Laboratories make agreements with these professionals and, often, these nominations are not those with prices more into account. "But it is always important to search to save", guarantees.