Medicine Prices – NPPA Revises Rates for 42 Essential Drug Formulations
Medicine Prices – The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has announced revised retail prices for 42 drug formulations widely used in the treatment of chronic and common illnesses across the country. The updated pricing decision has been issued under the provisions of the Drugs Prices Control Order (DPCO), 2013, and covers medicines linked to cardiac care, diabetes management, infections, respiratory disorders, and nutritional supplements.
Revised Prices Cover Commonly Used Medicines
According to a notification released by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the revised retail prices will apply to several frequently prescribed medicines available in the Indian market. The government clarified that the approved prices do not include Goods and Services Tax (GST). Manufacturers will be permitted to add GST separately only where applicable under existing tax regulations.
Among the medicines listed is a pain relief combination containing aceclofenac, paracetamol, and serratiopeptidase. The NPPA has fixed its retail price at Rs 10.18 per tablet. The move is expected to impact pricing consistency for commonly purchased anti-inflammatory medicines used for pain and swelling management.
Heart and Diabetes Medicines Included
The revised pricing order also affects medicines used in cardiovascular treatment. Cholesterol-control combinations containing atorvastatin and ezetimibe have now been capped between Rs 21.36 and Rs 32.46 per tablet, depending on the formulation and manufacturer.
For diabetes treatment, the authority has set the retail price of gliclazide and metformin combination tablets at Rs 10.53 per tablet. In addition, labetalol hydrochloride tablets, commonly prescribed for blood pressure management, will now be sold at a capped price of Rs 23.17 per tablet.
The updated list also includes hypertension medicines such as the triple-drug combination of telmisartan, chlorthalidone, and metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets. These formulations have been priced between Rs 11.99 and Rs 14.44 per tablet. Another blood pressure medicine combining telmisartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide has been fixed at Rs 12.19 per tablet.
Antibiotics and Specialized Therapies Receive New Caps
Several antibiotic formulations have also come under the revised pricing structure. Cefixime combined with potassium clavulanate has been capped at Rs 25 per tablet. The authority said the revision aims to maintain affordability while ensuring the availability of important medicines in the market.
One of the higher-priced formulations in the latest notification is the combination of relugolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate, used in certain hormone-related medical conditions. Depending on the company manufacturing the medicine, its retail price has been fixed between Rs 107.22 and Rs 120.62 per tablet.
The updated pricing order further includes Vitamin D3 oral solution, priced at Rs 15.74 per 1 ml unit, and a combined antiparasitic treatment containing albendazole and ivermectin, fixed at Rs 29.60 per tablet.
Rules for Retailers and Manufacturers
The NPPA has instructed retailers and dealers to prominently display the latest price lists and supplementary price details at their establishments. The notification also warns manufacturers and marketing firms against charging above the approved rates.
Authorities stated that any violation of the notified prices could attract recovery proceedings under the DPCO, 2013, along with applicable interest under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The government has reiterated that overcharging consumers beyond the approved retail price will invite regulatory action.
Respiratory and Mental Health Medicines Also Listed
Apart from medicines related to diabetes and heart care, the revised list includes formulations used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including levosalbutamol and ipratropium bromide respiratory solutions. An antidepressant combination medicine containing olanzapine and fluoxetine has also been brought under the updated retail pricing framework.