Guide
How to compare medicine prices — pack size, strength and form
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21 · How we create our content
Two packs of "the same" medicine are rarely truly identical: a different number of tablets, different milligrams per tablet, a different form (tablets, capsules, syrup, sachets). Compared only by price per box, the bigger pack often looks more expensive while actually being the better deal. Here is what to look at to compare correctly.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Pack count: look at price per dose
A box of 30 tablets for €6 is a better deal than a box of 10 tablets for €3, even though it costs twice as much. Divide the price by the number of doses — LekCheck shows this calculation automatically as "price per dose" on the product page when the pack size is known. Buy the bigger pack only if you will genuinely use it within its shelf life.
Strength: 200 mg and 400 mg are not one product
One trade name often exists in several strengths (e.g. 200 mg and 400 mg). They are different products with different prices and are not interchangeable without proper judgement — the right dose follows the leaflet and the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, not whichever pack is the better deal.
The form matters
Tablets, soluble tablets, capsules, syrup, drops and sachets with the same ingredient are dosed differently and suit different situations and ages (e.g. syrup for children). When comparing prices, compare like forms with like; if unsure which form is right — ask a pharmacist.
When the lowest price is not the best choice
Add delivery to the calculation — on a small order it can outweigh the saving. Also check when the price was last updated: LekCheck flags explicitly when a price has not been confirmed recently. Finally, for prescription medicines the choice of product belongs to the doctor — price comparison helps only after that.
Frequently asked questions
What does "price per dose" mean?
The price of the pack divided by the number of doses in it (tablets, capsules, sachets). It makes different pack sizes comparable: 30 tablets for €6 is €0.20/dose, while 10 tablets for €3 is €0.30/dose.
Is the bigger pack always the better deal?
The price per dose is usually lower, but not always — which is why it is worth doing the maths. Beyond that, a bigger pack only pays off if you will use it: a medicine past its expiry date is no saving.
Why do prices for the same medicine differ between pharmacies?
Pharmacies set their own prices for products without a fixed price, and promotions, suppliers and stock levels differ. That is why comparing several pharmacies for the specific pack and strength can save real money.