Generic drugs remain twice as expensive in Switzerland
Drug prices in Switzerland remain higher than in other major European markets, especially when it comes to generic drugs, which are twice as expensive in Switzerland as elsewhere.
According to figures published Tuesday by the Swiss pharma industry association InterpharmaExternal link and the umbrella group for health insurers SantéSuisseExternal link, the difference in the price of patented drugs in Switzerland compared to elsewhere is 7%, down from 9% last year.
This is thanks in part to more favourable exchange rates, as well as regular price controls by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), according to the groups. The savings due to lower prices are estimated to be some CHF325 million ($323 million).
However, it’s a different story for generic drugs, which are twice as expensive in Switzerland than in similar markets. The Swiss also tend to buy less generics, which represent 23% of volume and 18% of sales. In the United Kingdom, as a comparison, generics represent 85% of volume and 38% of sales.
For example, in Switzerland a pack of the patented painkiller Dafalgan costs CHF6.95 more than the generic version Paracetamol. Despite the potential savings, Dafalgan remains more popular: 900,000 packages were sold last year for a total of CHF23.1 million, compared to only 65,000 packs of Paracetamol sold at CHF1.2 million.
Despite the discrepancies, buying generics still represent savings compared to patented versions, SantéSuisse says.
This is the tenth edition of the report, which compares prices for 250 of the best-selling drugs in Switzerland to those in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Costs of generic drugs and outpatient services targeted
This content was published on
The government wants to cap prices for generic drugs as part of a package of measures to reduce rising health costs in Switzerland.
This content was published on
Switzerland could save millions of francs by prescribing low-priced biotech drug copies, known as biosimilars, instead of expensive biologicals.
Swiss bend rules to provide patients with affordable treatment
This content was published on
Despite being a global hub for pharma companies, Switzerland is going to extraordinary lengths to source cheap generic drugs for Hepatitis C patients.
Generic drugs in Switzerland cost twice as much as in Europe
This content was published on
The price of generic drugs in Switzerland in 2017 was 52% higher than the average of nine other European countries, says a study.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.