China Drug Prices

Compare brand-name vs generic drug prices in China. Powered by China's Volume-Based Procurement (VBP) data — up to 95% cheaper than US retail prices.

Volume-Based Procurement

China's government negotiation has cut drug prices by 50-60% across 10+ batches

Generics Are Equal Quality

China's ensures generic drugs meet the same standards as origin brands

For International Patients

Most drugs available at hospital pharmacies; some OTC drugs at regular pharmacies

Cholesterol

Lipitor

Atorvastatin 20mg×30

Save 87-90%
vs US price

Indication: High cholesterol, cardiovascular risk reduction

Generic (China)
$8
Brand (China)
$50
US Retail
$65
Dosage: Take 1 tablet daily
Manufacturer: Pfizer (origin) / Generic: Sino-US, Lunan
Generic version available after VBP at ~¥15-30/pack
Diabetes

Glucophage

Metformin 500mg×30

Save 85-90%
vs US price

Indication: Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance

Generic (China)
$5
Brand (China)
$40
US Retail
$40
Dosage: Take 1-3 tablets daily with meals
Manufacturer: Merck (origin) / Generic: Sino Pharm, Shanghai
First-line diabetes drug, extremely affordable in China
Blood Pressure

Norvasc

Amlodipine 5mg×30

Save 95-98%
vs US price

Indication: Hypertension, angina

Generic (China)
$4
Brand (China)
$50
US Retail
$50
Dosage: Take 1 tablet daily
Manufacturer: Pfizer (origin) / Generic: CSPC, Hengrui
One of the cheapest drugs in China's VBP
Gastric

Prilosec

Omeprazole 20mg×30

Save 89-92%
vs US price

Indication: GERD, stomach ulcers, acid reflux

Generic (China)
$6
Brand (China)
$50
US Retail
$55
Dosage: Take 1 tablet before breakfast
Manufacturer: AstraZeneca (origin) / Generic: CR Double-Crane
Available over-the-counter in China at pharmacies
Diabetes

Lantus

Insulin Glargine (1 pen)

Save 78-80%
vs US price

Indication: Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes

Generic (China)
$45
Brand (China)
$200
US Retail
$225
Dosage: Inject subcutaneously once daily
Manufacturer: Sanofi (origin) / Generic: Gan & Lee, Novo Nordisk
Chinese-made insulin pens (Gan & Lee) are FDA-approved for US export
Anticoagulant

Coumadin

Warfarin 2.5mg×30

Save 82-86%
vs US price

Indication: Blood clots, atrial fibrillation, DVT

Generic (China)
$25
Brand (China)
$150
US Retail
$170
Dosage: Dose varies; requires regular INR monitoring
Manufacturer: BMS (origin) / Generic: Shanghai Sine
Requires blood monitoring — available at major hospitals
Antibiotic

Amoxil

Amoxicillin 500mg×12

Save 83-86%
vs US price

Indication: Bacterial infections

Generic (China)
$6
Brand (China)
$35
US Retail
$40
Dosage: Take 1 capsule 3× daily for 7-14 days
Manufacturer: GSK (origin) / Generic: Zhejiang Huahai
Available OTC at pharmacies in China
Thyroid

Synthroid

Levothyroxine 50μg×30

Save 70-80%
vs US price

Indication: Hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer

Generic (China)
$10
Brand (China)
$30
US Retail
$30
Dosage: Take 1 tablet on empty stomach daily
Manufacturer: Merck (origin) / Generic: Shenzhen XinLi
Essential thyroid medication, widely available
Oncology

Herceptin

Trastuzumab 440mg

Save 82%
vs US price

Indication: HER2+ breast cancer, gastric cancer

Generic (China)
$4500
Brand (China)
$25000
US Retail
$4500
Dosage: IV infusion every 3 weeks (multiple vials)
Manufacturer: Roche (origin) / Generic: Henlius (HLX02)
Chinese-made biosimilar (Henlius) now approved in China and Europe
Oncology

Keytruda

Pembrolizumab 100mg

Save 77%
vs US price

Indication: Multiple cancers (lung, melanoma, lymphoma)

Generic (China)
$8000
Brand (China)
$35000
US Retail
$6000
Dosage: 200mg IV every 3 weeks (weight-based)
Manufacturer: MSD (origin) / Generic: QureBio (China PD-1)
China has 10+ approved PD-1/PD-L1 drugs at 60-80% lower prices
Disclaimer: Drug prices shown are for reference only and may vary by pharmacy and hospital. Prescription drugs in China typically require a doctor's prescription. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before purchasing or using any medication. This platform does not sell or dispense medications.