Over the past year (March 2025 — February 2026), Ukrainians have faced a systematic increase in prices in the pharmaceutical sector. According to monitoring data, the average check in pharmacies increased by 15 %, covering both domestic products and imported drugs.
Which drugs have become the most expensive?
Analysts identify three critical groups of drugs where price increases are most noticeable to consumers:
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Antibiotics: Increased demand and complicated logistics of raw materials are forcing manufacturers to revise their prices upwards.
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Antipyretics and analgesics: Although in absolute terms the change seems small (for example, +2–5 UAH per package), in percentage terms and with regular use, this creates a significant burden.
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Vasodilators: This is a "risk zone" group, as medications for hypertensive patients and people with cardiovascular diseases are vital and are often purchased on an ongoing basis.
Reasons and expert predictions
Head of the NGO "Pharmrada" Olena Prudnikova notes that inflationary processes have affected not only private pharmacies, but also public procurement.
Main influencing factors:
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Production costs: Rising costs of energy and logistics chains.
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Currency fluctuations: Since most active ingredients (substances) are purchased abroad, the exchange rate directly affects the final price of even "Ukrainian" medicines.
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Financial pressure: Currently, producers have all the economic prerequisites for further price increases, which makes the end consumer the most vulnerable link.
How to protect your budget?
For people with chronic diseases whose treatment cannot be interrupted, the situation is most difficult. Experts give two main pieces of advice:
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"Affordable Medicines" Program: This is a state mechanism that allows you to receive certain medications (for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental disorders, etc.) free of charge or with a small surcharge upon prescription from a doctor.
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Analysis of analogues (generics): Consultation with a pharmacist about finding a cheaper analogue with the same active ingredient, but from a different manufacturer.
Importantly: Certain dosage forms and specific imported items may increase in price faster than average, so patients are advised to plan purchases in advance.
