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UK Watchdog Probes The Cost Of Antibiotics Price Hike

By  |  December 14, 2022

An investigation has been launched by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) following rocketing prices of antibiotics in the wake of Strep A cases.

Drug companies have been accused of hiking prices after some pharmacies said they were being charged up to £19 for a box of drugs that normally costs a few pounds.

Pharmacies say they are losing thousands per week as they can only recoup a fraction of the cost of drugs from the NHS.

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They are also reporting that parents are having to go from pharmacy to pharmacy trying to find drugs for poorly children, as they struggle to get hold of antibiotics.

On Monday, the Department of Health issued a medicine supply notification for antibiotics for the treatment of Strep A. It said that supplies “may be temporarily limited in supply” at certain wholesalers and pharmacies.

This followed a statement by Health Secretary Steve Barclay, who said there was no shortage of antibiotics and stock could be moved around if any particular area was experiencing problems with supply.