Q: I am a 36 years old male and am taking Stamlo Beta. Why is Stamlo beta tablet costlier than Amlong tablet? Both medicines have the same composition. Can I switch over to Amlong?

A:In India, drug manufacturers have total freedom to decide the prices of most medicines. Since it is the doctors who prescribe but patients who pay, companies spend huge amount of money to influence or even induce prescribers. This kind of activity pushes up the prices. You can safely use any good, cost effective brand containing amlodipine (5mg) with atenolol (50mg) from a quality manufacturer. The most cost effective brand is Angicam Beta (by Blue Cross) that costs Rs. 14.30 for a strip of 10 tablets.