Medicines may increase by 4.46% as of April

The price of medicines will increase according to the Association of the Pharmaceutical Research Industry (Interfarma). The readjustment, made annually, will have a proportional increase of 4.46% in 2019.

The change took into account some factors that influenced the production of medicines, among them are the impact of electricity, industry productivity and exchange rates.

However, the change should only come into effect in April, and prices will gradually change in the market according to the renewal of the pharmacy stock.

Considered high, the readjustment had higher numbers in other years. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 prices increased by 5.68%, 7.7% and up to 12.5%, respectively. Being the smallest in the last 10 years.

How is the adjustment calculated?

The readjustment is usually done with three percentage levels, because the change can vary between the consumption of medicines, which make up 3 groups.

These groups are divided into high, moderate and low competition. That is, the more companies or brands manufacturing, the greater the competition.

For example, omeprazole and pantoprazole participate in the high competition group, as there are several brands, including generics, available.

Medicines like ketoconazole and tramadol , which are antifungal and are part of the moderate competition group, have a slightly smaller increase compared to the former.

Those with low competition, such as betamethasone and dexamethasone , have the lowest readjustment in the category.

In that year, all of these groups may have the maximum increase (4.46%), which is below inflation.


The price change occurs every year and, although the measure will start to take effect in April, the difference will be seen gradually according to the stocking in retail.

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