Pharmacy markups

In regard to Harriet Tilley’s suggestion (BDN, April 6) that pharmaceutical companies should be investigated for making unreasonable profits, I couldn’t agree more. However, maybe it’s more than past due that local pharmacies should also receive some scrutiny.

A few weeks ago, I had a prescription filled at one of the large megapharmacies, at a cost of $15.02. Reluctantly, I paid the price, however, upon checking with a locally owned company, I found I could have purchased the same medication for $6.45.

Now I have another scrip to be filled, and checking with a food chain pharmacy, I was quoted a price of $14.98. The megapharmacy quote was $38.98. When I questioned the large difference in cost I was informed they no longer try to be competitive and now the customer must pick up the tab for the additional conveniences offered, such as their 24-hour drive-thru.

Maybe certain pharmacies can justify their logic with imposing 100 to 225 percent markup on consumers; I and my wallet question their ethics. James Clark Bangor