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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 4

Written Answers - Product Price Variation.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

93 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the variation between the price of Atenolol tablets in the State and in Northern Ireland. [21160/96]

Limerick East): Atenolol is a medicinal product indicated for use in the treatment of a number of cardiovascular conditions. I am aware there is a significant variation in price in respect of the generic form of Atenolol in Northern Ireland and within the State. This is due in large measure to a vibrant generic market in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland where the overall market is much larger and where there is significant competition which affects prices charged for generic medicines.

The comparative prices between Northern Ireland and the State in respect of generics, proprietary and branded generics only available in Ireland for Atenolol products, are detailed as follows. It is understood there are a number of suppliers of the generic form of Atenolol in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland market. The prices set out in the reply in relation to the generic form of Atenolol in Great Britain and Northern Ireland are tariff, flat rate prices in respect of which these companies are reimbursed by the state authorities.

Due to the nature of the pricing agreements with the pharmaceutical industry some discrepancies exist between the prices of individual products in Ireland and the UK. However, overall the current agreement has resulted in a stabilisation of prices in Ireland as compared with the rest of Europe given that a price freeze exists for the duration of the current agreement.

The current pricing agreement with the pharmaceutical industry is due for renegotiation shortly and pricing of generic products will be one of the issues examined in the course of these negotiations.

Name

Strength Packsize

UK Currency Adj. Wholesale Price IR£

Irish Wholesale Price IR£

Generics

Atenolol

50mg×28100mg×28

78p99p

3.28 and 3.794.59 and 5.192 generic products available

Proprietary

Antipressan

50mg×28

2.29

2.97

100mg×28

3.18

4.31

Tenormin

50mg×28

3.96

5.13

100mg×28

5.84

6.53

Branded Generics

Ateni

50mg×28

3.28

100mg×28

4.96

Atenogen

50mg×28

2.97

100mg×28

4.33

Atenomel

50mg×28

3.30

100mg×28

4.54

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