Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 9/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Dr,

My doctor prescribed me Ecosprin AV-75. He said it is cheap and manfactured by well known company USV. But on purchase I found it is very cheap but manufactured by Accent pharma. My question is whether USV and Accent belongs to same company? Why this drug is very cheap( Rs 18 for 10 tablets. Others are Rs 100 per 10 )

ANSWER: Hi Nagesh,
I am a bit surprised that it is so costly. US Vitamin's Ecosprin is in two strengths 150 and 325 mg. The pack contains 14 tabs and cost Rs. 5.76 and Rs. 9.11 respectively. Rs. 18 for 10 tabs is too expensive. Spirin of Alkem is available in 75 mg strength as is Zosprin of Medley, Delisprin of Aristo, and the costs are as follows:
Delisprin Rs. 3.92 for 10 tabs
Zosprin Rs. 3.91 for 14 tabs
Spirin Rs. 6.50 for 10 tabs

You may take any of these. Aspirin is one of the cheapest drug in the world and the actual cost of the tablets is in the range of Rs. 1 for 14 tabs.
Paying Rs.100 for 10 tabs is exhorbitant!!!!
Ravi Ghooi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Dr,

Thanks for the prompt reply. I would like to clarify that Ecosprin AV-75 is a combination of Asprin 75 mg and atorvastatin 10mg. Looks like you have missed "AV". Pl. clarify my first question

ANSWER: Hi Nagesh,
I am sorry, I did miss it out. Unfortunaetely I do not have details. If atorvstatin is present in teh formulation, then it is indeed very cheap. I think there is something wrong with the cost you have quoted. Please recheck it, in the meanwhile I too will check it up.
Ravi Ghooi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Dr Ravi,

I have again checked up with the chemist. It is Rs 18/- for 10 tablets. Is it duplicate?

Answer
Hi Nagesh,
One of the few sites in India that lists all products in the market is Medlineindia.com. This does not list any product containing this from USV. I have been trying to contact USV to get the answer. Their Medical Advisor is Dr. Vasant Joshi, a friend of mine, but he is not answering his phone. I have asked my colleague who is visiting the company tomorrow to check up with them, I will get back to you tomorrow.
Ravi Ghooi