TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pain reliever Panadol will see an estimated 8% price increase in Taiwan starting in July.

This translates to a NT$10 (US$0.31) to NT$15 increase per box. The drug manufacturer attributed the hike to rising material and transportation costs.

Shen Tsai-ying (沈采穎), chair of the Taiwan General Medical Practitioners Association, confirmed the adjustment on Friday (June 21). Pharmacists were informed in May, Shen was quoted as saying by CNA.

Panadol is a popular brand of acetaminophen, a pain reliever. Shen estimated that roughly half of those needing acetaminophen medication use Panadol.

She expects other acetaminophen medications to follow suit with price increases. Shen recommended consumers consider generic acetaminophen alternatives, which offer similar efficacy at half the price of Panadol.