UAE Cuts Prices for 168 Medicines, Up to 60% Discounts

The Emirates Drug Establishment has decided to cut retail prices for 168 pharmaceutical products across the UAE. These medicines cover a wide range of chronic and serious illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, asthma, and psychological disorders.

This move, effective from May 30, includes various medication dosages and aims to make treatment more affordable for families. Pharmacies across the emirates are already showing the new, reduced prices.

Discounts range from 5% to up to 60% for essential medicines. For example, Zocor 40 mg, which lowers cholesterol, now has a 59.5% price cut. Xalatan, used to treat high eye pressure in glaucoma patients, has been reduced by 51.7%.

Significant reductions have also been applied to expensive biologic and cancer medications. Alunbrig 180 mg, used for advanced lung cancer, has dropped from Dh26,433 to Dh21,108. Alunbrig 90 mg now costs Dh12,520 instead of Dh19,824, while Alunbrig 30 mg decreased to Dh4,173 from Dh6,608.

Xeloda 150 mg, prescribed for breast, colon, and rectal cancer, is now Dh241, down from Dh347, making it one of the biggest reductions in this category.

Cardiovascular Medications

The price cuts include advanced medicines for chronic heart failure. The Verquvo family now costs less, with Verquvo 2.5 mg priced at Dh244, down from Dh257, and Verquvo 10 mg now retailing at Dh474.50 instead of Dh499.50.

Diabetes Medications

Type 2 diabetes drugs have also been reduced. Amaryl 1 mg now costs Dh19 instead of Dh25, Amaryl 2 mg is Dh32, down from Dh39.50, and Amaryl 3 mg dropped to Dh47.50 from Dh57.50.

Hypertension Medications

Medicines for high blood pressure have seen sizeable reductions. Renitec 10 mg is now Dh48 instead of Dh64, and Renitec 20 mg is Dh62, down from Dh83. Aprovel 150 mg is priced at Dh63.50, instead of Dh99.50, and Aprovel 300 mg costs Dh85, down from Dh117. Other reductions include Lercadip 10 mg at Dh56.50, previously Dh59.50, and SEVIKAR 20/5 mg at Dh93, down from Dh112.

Cancer Treatments

Prices for oncology medicines have dropped, including major biologic treatments for lung cancer. Alunbrig 180 mg now costs Dh21,108, reduced from Dh26,433. Alunbrig 90 mg is Dh12,520, down from Dh19,824, and Xeloda 150 mg for various cancers is Dh241, reduced from Dh347.

Stroke and Blood Clot Prevention

Modern anticoagulant medicines have also been reduced. Pradaxa 110 mg is Dh198, down from Dh220, while Pradaxa 150 mg now costs Dh394.50 instead of Dh438.50.

Cholesterol Medications

Prices for cholesterol-lowering drugs have been standardized across dosages. Zocor 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg now all retail at Dh67.50 per pack, compared to previous prices of Dh83.50, Dh91.50, and Dh166.50.

Gastrointestinal Treatments

Medicines for stomach ulcers and pediatric gastroenteritis have seen reductions. PARIET 20 mg is Dh47.50 now, compared to Dh75 earlier. Hidrasec Children 30 mg granules are Dh42 per pack, while Hidrasec Infants 10 mg is Dh43, reduced from Dh50.

Mental Health and Neurological Treatments

Price cuts for mental health medicines include Invega, used for schizophrenia. Invega 3 mg is now Dh381.50, down from Dh449.50, and Invega 9 mg is Dh416, reduced from Dh843. Zeldox, also used for schizophrenia, saw reductions across all dosages, with Zeldox 80 mg now priced at Dh300, down from Dh389.

Eye Care and Asthma Medicines

Eye treatments for glaucoma are now more affordable. GANFORT eye drops are Dh99.50, previously Dh114, and Xalatan eye drops are reduced to Dh43 from Dh89. Advanced asthma treatments, including Nucala 100 mg for severe cases, now cost Dh5,142 instead of Dh6,212.50.

This decision showcases the UAE’s commitment to supporting families by making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.