Doliprane and Dafalgan paracetamol price increase in France, Digi Mart USA News (France): A headache medicine could soon cost a little more. From January 1, 2027, boxes of paracetamol-based medicines such as Doliprane or Dafalgan could see their prices rise, according to the source report.
The possible increase is linked to the possible end of a price freeze in effect since 2021, as France seeks to revive production of the drug on its territory. The relocation effort responds to a goal of health sovereignty stated by President Emmanuel Macron.
The Covid-19 crisis in 2020 highlighted France’s and Europe’s dependence on imported medicines, notably from China and India. Nearly 80% of medicines consumed in Europe were then imported from those two countries, the report cites RTL as saying.
French production of Doliprane had been halted in 2008.
Producing in France costs more, however. For manufacturers, making paracetamol in France is more expensive than in Asia.
Some producers, such as the French laboratory UPSA, estimate the extra cost can reach 60%.
Another factor is that the price freeze introduced in 2021 expires on December 31, 2026. A box is currently sold to pharmacists for 76 euro cents.
If the measure is not extended, prices could be revised upward at the start of next year. Estimates suggest the price paid by pharmacists could rise by about ten euro cents or more.
It remains unclear whether any increase would be passed on to consumers. Discussions are ongoing between the state and pharmaceutical companies.
The government must decide whether to extend the price freeze, while relocating production could bring additional costs.
