Loot by Pharma Companies
We have been talking a lot about MRP of various products, in the platform. Today, I am coming up with concrete evidence how Pharma companies loot customers.
To reduce irritation or itching in eyes, usually an eye drop a recommended by Doctors which acts as a lubricant and reduces irritation in dry eyes. I have come across with such a medicines namely "Tear Eye Drop Gel" manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. This eye drop contains 1% Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (or CMC in short). Price of Pharma grade of CMC could be Rs. 300 per Kg. and the same can easily be verified with the prices available on internet. 1% of this product then, will cost Rs. 3.00 only. That means, to make 1 Ltr. 1% solution will cost Rs. 3.00 for active ingredient and say Rs. 20 for 1 Ltr. of water. That makes Rs. 23 for 1 Ltr. of medicine. The eye drop is supplied in 10 ml bottles. Therefore, the cost of 10 ml would be Rs. 0.23 ONLY. After including packing and other costs, let us say the cost of 10 ml eye drop would be say Rs. 5.00. If you add margins and other aspects, maximum coat would not be more than Rs. 10 per 10 ml bottle of the eye drop.
Now, don't be surprised by knowing its MRP. MRP of "Tear Eye Drop Gel" is Rs. 175.98 per 10 ml bottle.
For the convenience of members of the forum I have included photograph of MRP and composition of the eye drop.
Now, can some justify the MRP of Rs. 175.98 per 10 ml eye drop having costing including margins of Rs. 10 only?
Several variants of Tear Eye Drop Gel (1% CMC) are available in the market and almost all are in the same price bracket.
Is there any authority in India which can act against such a loot by Pharma companies.
Some other examples of costly eye drops are "Brinzox" and "Brivex" eye drops manufactured by Ajanta Pharma Ltd. Brinzox contains 1% Brinzolamide and MRP is Rs. 366 per 5 ml bottle. Brivex contains 1% Brinzolamide and 1% Brimonidine and MRP is Rs. 426 for a 5 ml bottle. Another medicine is Travacom manufactured by Alcon Laboratories contains 1% Timolol and Travoprost (40 mcg per 2.5 ml) and MRP is Rs. 770 per 2.5 ml bottle. Another eye drop is Xalatan which is manufactured by Pfizer contains 0.005% of Latanoprost and MRP is Rs. 524 per 2.5 ml bottle. All these medicines are usually prescribed for treating Glaucoma.
Health for all. more
To reduce irritation or itching in eyes, usually an eye drop a recommended by Doctors which acts as a lubricant and reduces irritation in dry eyes. I have come across with such a medicines namely "Tear Eye Drop Gel" manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd. This eye drop contains 1% Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (or CMC in short). Price of Pharma grade of CMC could be Rs. 300 per Kg. and the same can easily be verified with the prices available on internet. 1% of this product then, will cost Rs. 3.00 only. That means, to make 1 Ltr. 1% solution will cost Rs. 3.00 for active ingredient and say Rs. 20 for 1 Ltr. of water. That makes Rs. 23 for 1 Ltr. of medicine. The eye drop is supplied in 10 ml bottles. Therefore, the cost of 10 ml would be Rs. 0.23 ONLY. After including packing and other costs, let us say the cost of 10 ml eye drop would be say Rs. 5.00. If you add margins and other aspects, maximum coat would not be more than Rs. 10 per 10 ml bottle of the eye drop.
Now, don't be surprised by knowing its MRP. MRP of "Tear Eye Drop Gel" is Rs. 175.98 per 10 ml bottle.
For the convenience of members of the forum I have included photograph of MRP and composition of the eye drop.
Now, can some justify the MRP of Rs. 175.98 per 10 ml eye drop having costing including margins of Rs. 10 only?
Several variants of Tear Eye Drop Gel (1% CMC) are available in the market and almost all are in the same price bracket.
Is there any authority in India which can act against such a loot by Pharma companies.
Some other examples of costly eye drops are "Brinzox" and "Brivex" eye drops manufactured by Ajanta Pharma Ltd. Brinzox contains 1% Brinzolamide and MRP is Rs. 366 per 5 ml bottle. Brivex contains 1% Brinzolamide and 1% Brimonidine and MRP is Rs. 426 for a 5 ml bottle. Another medicine is Travacom manufactured by Alcon Laboratories contains 1% Timolol and Travoprost (40 mcg per 2.5 ml) and MRP is Rs. 770 per 2.5 ml bottle. Another eye drop is Xalatan which is manufactured by Pfizer contains 0.005% of Latanoprost and MRP is Rs. 524 per 2.5 ml bottle. All these medicines are usually prescribed for treating Glaucoma.
Health for all. more
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View all 47 comments Below 47 comments
While retailers selling them at MRP, online suppliers are offering 20, 30 and 50% discount and door delivery too. Generic medicines are sold very cheap about Rs 10 for ten tablets. What is interesting is those tablets printed MRP is more than Rs100. That means more than 90% discount. Why MRP printed is more than 10 times of sale price? Some medical equipment do not have MRP. Price is left to the seller. Ram bharose---- more
Sep 28
In the past, was the cost of medicines within reach of buyer? Many of the pharma companies were there and according to me prices were reasonable till the introduction of GST. more
Sep 26
Quite informative. Thanks. National Pharma Pricing authority http://nppaindia.nic.in/ should look into it and take action. Responsible authorities should be vigilant & active and not just mute spectators. more
Sep 25
I agree with above, all the pharma companies especially eye drops are charging very high prices. Earlier Timolet 0.5% was available at about Rs 60. This is not available now & substitute is available for Rs 260 i. e. 6 times the price. Same is applicable for other eye drops. Concerned authorities should regulate the price some service action required similar to Generic medicines more
Sep 21
What can the common man do under such circumstances. Even ayurvedic drugs are now so costly beyond the reach of the common man. more
Sep 17
