Cockeyed Prescription Drug Prices Reported in New York

The New York Public Interest Research Group says there is a big disparity in the pricing of prescription drugs even between pharmacies located in the same geographic area.

NYPIRG published a report that found instances where, at one pharmacy, a drug at a price $150 more than the price at another pharmacy nearby.  In the case of a heartburn medication, one Syracuse area pharmacies had prices ranging from $189 to $349 for the same prescribed number of pills and dosage.

NYPIRG says its pricing information comes from a New York State Health Department website on drug pricing.

The group says those big price differences can mean huge problems for patients, especially those who lack prescription drug coverage.

NYPIRG says it wants New York State to do a better job informing consumers about drug pricing and their options.