Procon-SP reveals variation in drug prices

A survey by Procon-SP revealed a great disparity in the prices of medicines sold in the capital of São Paulo. The alert was released this Tuesday (7).

According to research, the same generic medicine can vary in price by up to 2,433.59%, depending on the pharmacy.

The biggest difference was recorded in the pack with 30 5 mg tadalafil tablets. The medication was found for R$98.05 in a pharmacy in the north of São Paulo and for R$3.87 in an establishment in the south. In 2025, the same product had already led the ranking with the highest price variation.

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Among the reference medicines, the biggest difference was observed in the pack with 30 tablets of 25 mcg of Synthroid. The product was found for R$41.43 in a pharmacy in the north zone and for R$10.73 in an establishment located in another region of the city.

The survey also included ten websites of large pharmacy chains based on an IP in the central region of the capital. The comparison was made between physical stores and online platforms, considering the prices of 70 generic and reference medicines, including antipyretics, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants.

In comparing the prices of 33 reference medicines present in the 2025 and 2026 surveys, Procon-SP identified an average increase of 8.43%.

Although significant differences were found between establishments, the agency reported that all prices were within the permitted limit. In Brazil, drug prices are regulated by Anvisa, which authorizes an annual adjustment and establishes PMC (Maximum Consumer Prices), a ceiling that cannot be exceeded by pharmacies.

*Under the supervision of Thiago Félix

Source: CNN