• A new study found that SA has some of the cheapest Viagra and Xanax medication. 
  • Viagra in SA was the fourth cheapest in the world - 76.40% cheaper than the world average. 
  • The study was compiled by converting local medicine prices in 50 countries to dollar amounts. 
  • Go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za for more stories.

Erectile dysfunction medication Viagra and anxiety medication Xanax is considerably cheaper in South Africa compared to the rest of the world, a new study by digital medical platform Medbelle found. 

Medbelle’s 2019 Medicine Price Index showed that Viagra is 76.40%, and Xanax 10.83% cheaper in South Africa compared to the rest of the world. 

Out of the 50 countries surveyed, only Argentina (81.42%), Egypt (89.24%), and Ireland (90.57%) had cheaper Viagra than South Africa compared to the world average. 

Meanwhile, Viagra in the United States (US) was the most expensive at 660.24% more than the world average, followed by Taiwan with 152.18% more expensive, and Switzerland with 132.69% more.  

The study was compiled by converting local medicine prices to US dollar amounts, and then making a comparison. 

China had the cheapest Xanax at 83.91% cheaper than the world average, followed by Bulgaria with 78.55% and Thailand with 77.06% cheaper. 

The US once again had the most expensive Xanax at a whopping 2568.75% more expensive than the world average, followed by Russia with 1002.85% more expensive, and Mexico with 449.06% more expensive. 

Overall, South Africa’s medication was 53.72% cheaper than the world average - the sixth cheapest in the study. 

Thailand’s medicine was the cheapest at 93.93% below the world average, followed by Kenya with 93.76% cheaper and Malaysia with 90.80% cheaper. 

The US had the most expensive medication 306.82% above the world average, followed by Germany with 125.64% above the world average and the United Arab Emirates with 122.03% above the world average.