High Cholesterol: Medicine Prices and Yearly Costs (2026)
High cholesterol means too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, which raises the risk of heart disease. It is commonly treated with statins.
About high cholesterol and its costs
Cholesterol is checked with a lipid profile blood test. High LDL cholesterol has no symptoms but builds up in artery walls over many years. Statins such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the main medicines; the dose depends on the person's overall heart risk. Most people who start a statin take it long term, so the yearly medicine cost matters.
Yearly medicine cost for high cholesterol, by country
How much a year of a common high cholesterol medicine costs in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and the UAE, at official prices. Try the interactive comparison.
A year of atorvastatin 20 mg, once a day costs $4.79 in India and $114 in the UAE.
Atorvastatin 20 mg, once a day: one year
| Country | Price type | Per tablet | One year at list price | Patient pays per year | Patient pays (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Jan Aushadhi MRP | ₹1.25 | ₹455 | ₹455 | $4.79 |
| United States | NADAC (pharmacy cost) | $0.029 | $10.43 | — | — |
| United Kingdom | NHS Drug Tariff | £0.030 | £10.82 | £115 | $153 |
| Australia | PBS price | A$0.087 | A$31.65 | up to A$300 | $211 |
| South Africa | SEP | R1.04 | R379 | up to R903 | $54.38 |
| United Arab Emirates | public price | AED 1.15 | AED 420 | up to AED 420 | $114 |
Patient pays: India: Jan Aushadhi store price; United Kingdom: £9.90 per monthly item, capped by the £114.50 yearly prepayment certificate; free if exempt or outside England; Australia: up to A$25 per monthly script (A$7.70 with a concession card); less if the medicine is cheaper; South Africa: SEP plus maximum dispensing fee and VAT, per pack; United Arab Emirates: public price (insurance may cover part).
Rosuvastatin 10 mg, once a day: one year
| Country | Price type | Per tablet | One year at list price | Patient pays per year | Patient pays (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Jan Aushadhi MRP | ₹1.29 | ₹469 | ₹469 | $4.94 |
| United States | NADAC (pharmacy cost) | $0.036 | $12.97 | — | — |
| United Kingdom | NHS Drug Tariff | £0.060 | £21.90 | £115 | $153 |
| Australia | PBS price | A$0.12 | A$42.60 | up to A$300 | $211 |
| South Africa | SEP | R2.96 | R1,080 | up to R1,974 | $119 |
| United Arab Emirates | public price | AED 0.88 | AED 322 | up to AED 322 | $87.79 |
Patient pays: India: Jan Aushadhi store price; United Kingdom: £9.90 per monthly item, capped by the £114.50 yearly prepayment certificate; free if exempt or outside England; Australia: up to A$25 per monthly script (A$7.70 with a concession card); less if the medicine is cheaper; South Africa: SEP plus maximum dispensing fee and VAT, per pack; United Arab Emirates: public price (insurance may cover part).
Yearly cost of the medicine alone, at the dose shown, using the lowest official price per tablet in each country. Doctor visits, tests and other care are not included. Each country publishes a different kind of price (shown under each country). Your doctor decides the right medicine and dose.
Yearly cost of high cholesterol
| Country | Yearly cost (example plan) | In USD |
|---|---|---|
| India | ₹1,821 – ₹2,135 | $19.18 – $22.49 |
Prices of medicines used for high cholesterol
Price of one tablet or capsule of each medicine in each country we cover, converted to US dollars. Click a medicine for all strengths and local prices.
| Medicine | Class | India | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atorvastatin | Statin (cholesterol lowering) | $0.010 | $0.023 | $0.032 |
| Rosuvastatin | Statin (cholesterol lowering) | $0.014 | $0.036 | $0.080 |
One strength per medicine (the most widely available one); a dash means that exact strength or form is not in that country's list. Price types differ: Jan Aushadhi retail price (India), NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost (US) and NHS Drug Tariff price (UK).
Frequently asked questions
How much does high cholesterol cost per year?
Which medicines for high cholesterol are listed?
Is this medical advice?
ICD-10 code: E78. This page gives cost information only and is not medical advice.
Sources
- European Central Bank. Euro foreign exchange reference rates (2026-10-23). www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Product & MRP List. janaushadhi.gov.in/product-portfolio/product-mrp-list. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. CGHS Rate List (revised rates, CGHS O.M. F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024 dated 03.10.2025, effective 13.10.2025). cghs.mohfw.gov.in/AHIMSG5/hissso/cghsRateListLogin. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) 2026 (as of 2026-10-21). data.medicaid.gov/dataset/fbb83258-11c7-47f5-8b18-5f8e79f7e704. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). Drug Tariff Part VIIIA Category M prices - October 2026. www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2026-09/Cat%20M%20Prices%20-%20Q. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- National Department of Health, South Africa. Database of Medicine Prices (Single Exit Price), effective 1 October 2026. www.health.gov.za/nhi-pee/. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Drug Master price list (public prices), version effective 2 October 2026. www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/drug-prices. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Schedule, 1 October 2026 (PBS API). www.pbs.gov.au/. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
Important: These are published reference prices and estimates, not a quote, and not medical advice. Actual costs depend on the hospital, your health, the exact treatment and your insurance. Always confirm the price with the provider before treatment. Read our disclaimer · Report an error