The HSE has urged doctors to prescribe cheaper version of stomach ulcer and cholesterol-lowering drugs in order to save money for patients and the exchequer.

The health executive says this is the first time the State has introduced a 'preferred drug initiative.'

It has recommended that doctors prescribe Lansoprazole when choosing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for peptic ulcer disease and simvastatin when choosing an anti-cholesterol statin drug.

The HSE estimates that the exchequer can save around €15 million by doctors switching to these cheaper drug versions on State schemes. PPIs and statins account for up to 15% of the HSE's total drugs budget.

In addition to State scheme savings, the HSE says private patients could save over €300 per year if they switched to the two preferred drugs and patients should discuss with their doctor their suitability for changing to the preferred drug.

It says the PPIs and statins available on the market can very significantly interms of price but there is little difference in them in terms of effectiveness.

The price of a 15mg maintenance dose of commonly-prescribed PPIs varies from €6.90 for lansoprazole (Zoton Fastabs) to €19.76 for esomeprazole (Nexium), according to the HSE.

A 20mg dose of statin varies between €5.92 for simvastatin (Zocor) to €13.86 for atorvastatin (Lipitor).