Budget to slash some drug prices

Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for cholesterol, depression and reflux will be up to $18.85 cheaper after next week's budget.

The two biggest-selling prescription drugs - cholesterol-lowering atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, sold as Lipitor and Crestor - are on a federal government hit-list aimed at saving up to $2 billion over five years, The West Australian reported on Thursday.

Also on the hit list are antidepressant duloxetine, originally sold as Cymbalta, blood thinner clopidogrel (Plavix), reflux treatment pantoprazole and antipsychotic drugs quetiapine (Seroquel) and olanzapine (Zyprexa).