Prescription drug costs to fall as State starts talks

THE cost of prescription drugs is set to fall after the Government began talks with drugs giants about reducing prices.

Prices for common medicines in Ireland are the fourth highest in Europe and are up to three times more expensive than in countries like Spain.

Doctors fear that the high prices of drugs could be a factor in patients resorting to unregulated internet chemists, putting their health at risk in the quest for cheaper drugs.