Large price differences for the same drug between pharmacies in the same area can put consumers in difficult situations, especially when the products are identical. Medicine prices may vary depending on the policy of each pharmacy and the applied commercial surcharges, but you probably did not imagine that the same medicine could cost almost 60% more in a pharmacy on the same street.
Today we show you an example, how for a common drug, Saridon, there can be a price difference of over 50% between two pharmacies located on the same street, Libertății street, in Apahida commune, Cluj county.
Saridon is a common pain reliever that relieves pain and lowers fever and contains mostly the well-known paracetamol. (active substances paracetamol 250 mg, propyphenazone 150 mg and caffeine 50 mg and excipients)
On Libertății street, in Apahida commune, Cluj, two pharmacies located at a very short distance (one at number 157 and the other at number 189) sell the same drug Saridon, at very different prices. The medicine was bought on October 21, 2024, at an interval of 10 minutes, from the two pharmacies:
- In the first pharmacy, the box of 10 Saridon pills cost 25.90 lei (receipt issued at 16:21).
- In the second pharmacy, the box of 10 pills of Saridon cost 16,50 lei (receipt issued at 16:31).
Thus, the price difference between the two pharmacies, located on the same street, was 9,40 lei(16.5 thei vs. 25.9 lei i.e. with 56.9% more for the exact same product.
We therefore advise you to check and compare drug prices before making purchases, especially in the context of such large differences between pharmacies in the same area. Although drug prices can vary depending on the commercial mark-ups applied by the pharmacy, these discrepancies raise questions and can have a significant impact on consumers, especially for those who depend on daily medication.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Pharmacy Price Tag Tango!
Imagine, if you will, two pharmacies, standing boldly on the illustrious
Libertății Street in Apahida commune, Cluj county. One’s got a pharmacy sign that practically whispers
“trust me,” while the other shouts “I charge what I like!” You know, like the two extremes of your family at
Christmas dinner. But here’s the kicker: they could be selling the exact same drug, Saridon, at
prices that make you wonder if you’re at a football match or in a pharmacy!
The Tale of Two Pharmacies
For our first act, let’s compare what I like to call the “Great Saridon Standoff.” Our dear friend, Saridon, is
no stranger to the world—it’s your typical pain-reliever, a mix of paracetamol, propyphenazone,
and a touch of caffeine to keep you from dozing off while you scroll through endless cat videos.
However, if you thought the only thing that felt like a headache was a bad pun, you should see these prices!
-
At Pharmacy No. 1 (157 Libertății street), you’re greeted with a price of 25.90 lei.
That’s right, folks – nearly the cost of a fancy café latte! -
Meanwhile, just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road at Pharmacy No. 2 (189 Libertății street),
it’s a bargain at 16.50 lei. Suddenly, your adrenaline isn’t just for relieving pain but for the thrill
of a good deal!
Price Tag Panic!
Now, what kind of wizardry allows a mere 10 minutes of walking to translate into a price difference of 9.40 lei—
that’s a staggering 56.9% more for precisely the same product! It’s like finding out your local bakery has
croissants on sale at 50% off just because they were baked by a different chef! The only conclusion I can come to is that
one of these pharmacies is running some kind of underground charity project – funded exclusively by confused customers!
Check Those Prices, Folks!
At this point, I’d advise anyone in need of pain relief to take a little stroll (or don’t walk, run!) up and down
Libertății Street before making that purchase. No one should pay more than necessary for their medicine—unless
they’re buying the “I’ve just ended a long relationship” brand of chocolate!
Seriously, while it’s hard to fathom how two pharmacies located just a couple of doors apart can justify these differences,
it’s crucial for consumers to be aware. After all, one person’s necessary medication is another’s comedic material—and this
won’t be the last time we poke fun at outrageous pharmacy pricing!
So remember, readers: Don’t let your pharmacy bills give you a headache, and always keep your eyes peeled for those
sneaky price differences. Because let’s face it; in the world of pharmacy, just like in life, you may end up paying
way more than you bargained for!
Until next time, stay savvy, stay sassy, and keep enjoying life (and those cat videos!)—with or without the pain.
Just don’t get robbed at the pharmacy!
