Journal of Generic Medicine – Editorial December 2021

Author(s):  
Brian Tempest
Keyword(s):  
Author(s):  
Mingyue Zhao ◽  
Lingyi Zhang ◽  
Zhitong Feng ◽  
Yu Fang

The purpose of this study is to investigate physicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practice of generic medicine substitutions in China. We conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey on physicians from secondary or tertiary hospitals in China from 2020 December to 2021 April. Descriptive statistical and ordered logistic regression were used for analysis. A total of 1225 physicians were included in the final analysis, and only 330 (26.94%) of them scored 4 or above in the knowledge part, which means that the physicians have a good knowledge of generic substitutions. Of the total, 586 (47.83%) agreed or strongly agreed that generic drugs could be substituted for originator drugs and 585 (47.75%) always or often prescribed generic medicines. The percentage of physicians with a positive attitude toward or that practice prescribing generic medicine is below 50%, which needs to be improved in China. Physicians’ knowledge, their attitude toward generic substitution, if familiar with the policy of generic substitution, and incentives for prescribing generic medicines are influencing factors for the practice of generic substitution. Our studies show that the practice of generic substitution by physicians could be improved by several measures in China. We suggested that the physicians should be taught more about the bulk-buy policy and the generic-originator equivalence evaluation policy. Moreover, government incentives to promote generic substitution should be established. Our study also suggested that physicians with less working experience and female physicians should learn more about generic substitution.


Author(s):  
Hoda Ibrahim Rizk ◽  
Monira Mahmoud Elkholy ◽  
Abeer Abdou Barakat ◽  
Raghda Mostafa Mostafa Elsayed ◽  
Shaimaa A. M. Abd El Fatah

Abstract Background Equitable access to essential medicines of maintained efficacy, safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness must be ensured by a well-functioning health system. This study aims to identify the determinants of patients’ access to medicines at the primary health care (PHC) level from the perspectives of various (internal and external) stakeholders of the pharmaceutical system. Methods The study employed both quantitative and qualitative components. Quantitative component applied a descriptive a cross-sectional design and qualitative component applied an in-depth interview design. It was a health system research conducted at two (PHC) facilities (one urban and the other rural) in Egypt. It inquired upon political, economic, and managerial aspects of the pharmaceutical system utilizing the “Health System Assessment Approach: a How-To Manual” and the “WHO operational package for assessing, monitoring and evaluating country pharmaceutical situations.” Results Analysis of the quantitative data extracted from the cross-sectional component with external stakeholders (patients) revealed that about one-third of patients in both facilities were unable to pay for the medicine. Patients in both settings took less than an hour to reach the PHC facility. The Percent of patients who believe that the private pharmacies’ medicine is better than the PHC one was significantly higher in rural than urban group (24% and 10% respectively) and the percent of medicines dispensed was 50% and 66.7% in rural and urban groups respectively. Analysis of the qualitative data extracted from in-depth interviews with internal stakeholders (key informants from regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical industry, academia, pharmacists, and physicians) were summarized utilizing Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Challenges (SWOC) analysis approach. Various viewpoints toward the determinants of patients’ access to medicines were disclosed. Conclusions The Percent of medicines dispensed was insufficient in both rural and urban facilities. There is a need to invest in building trust in generic medicine quality in the government health facilities focusing on improving medicine availability and ensuring enough amounts of high-quality drugs. Although there are drug committees in the two studied PHC facilities for demonstrating the prescribing and dispensing policies, yet the system required to enforce these policies is still deficient.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Satheesh ◽  
S Puthean ◽  
M Ansil ◽  
M K Unnikrishnan ◽  
A Sharma ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has prioritized the reduction of premature mortality due to NCDs – including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) - by a third. To achieve this goal, countries must achieve 80% availability of affordable essential medicines. Essential medicines as identified by the World Health Organization are those that meet the priority healthcare needs of majority population. Globally, India has the second highest CVD burden with over 1.7 million deaths annually, with the highest CVD morbidity and mortality rate in Kerala. Purpose To evaluate the availability, prices and affordability of essential CVD medicines in Kerala state to facilitate implementation of informed public health policy. Methods Using WHO/HAI methodology, we obtained data on availability and prices for 25 essential CVD medicines in a representative sample of 7 public-sector hospitals (survey anchors) and 37 private retail pharmacies located near the survey anchors in four districts. Additionally, we obtained the data from 10 government-subsidized discount pharmacies. We report availability as percentage of surveyed facilities where a given medicine was found. Median prices ratios (MPRs) were calculated by comparing consumer prices to the MSH International Reference Prices (IRPs). Medicines were considered affordable if the monthly supply costs less than one-day's wage of the lowest paid government worker. Results In the public-sector facilities (hospital and discount pharmacies combined), the mean (SD) availability of the surveyed CVD medicines was 52% (35.3%) for generic and 35.3% (20.7%) for originator brand (OB) version. 28% of surveyed medicines (including amlodipine, clopidogrel, losartan, metformin) were available in over 80% pharmacies. 12% (captopril, streptokinase and glyceryl trinitrate) were not available in any of the facilities. In the private sector, mean (SD) availability of generic and OB versions was 64.4% (37.2%) and 43.7% (34.6%), respectively. MPR was 1.28 [range: 0.02 (insulin NPH) – 16.7 (simvastatin)] for both lowest-priced generics (LPG) and most-sold generics (MSG). The lowest paid government worker in Kerala would spend 0.06 - 3.48 days' wages for the monthly supply of essential CVD medicines in the private sector. In government-subsidized discount pharmacies, mean availability was 49.3%. The generic medicine prices were 74% lower than in the private sector. Conclusions Availability of essential CVD medications in both public and private sector pharmacies fall short of the 80% target. In the private-sector, many essential CVD medications seem unaffordable especially considering the polypharmacy among CVD patients. Introducing policies to improve medicine availability in government-subsidized discount pharmacies is crucial in tackling Kerala's ever-increasing CVD burden.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3516-3518
Author(s):  
Nawaf Alotaibi

Background: The utilization of generic drugs in Saudi Arabia is under development. Many studies concerning generic drugs and their utilization by the consumers and promotion by health care professionals have been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Most of these studies revealed general unawareness of generic medicines among the Saudi people. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the general perception regarding the generic medicines and branded medicines among the visitors of the Turaif general hospital. Methods: This cross‑sectional study was carried out from December 29, 2019, to January 23, 2020, at Turaif General Hospital, Turaif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was shared with the visitors (N = 527) of the hospital after their agreement, and the data were collected. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 16. Results: The results of this study revealed that more than 50% of the participants were unaware about generic medicines and branded medicines; preferred imported generic medicines over local generics; agreed that the imported generic medicines are of high quality, more effective, and expensive as well. However, almost 50% of the participants were not sure about the quality, efficacy, safety, price, and side effects of the branded medicine. Conclusion: It has been concluded that there is a need to provide awareness programs about branded medicine, imported generic medicine, and locally manufactured generic medicines. Keywords: Branded drugs, Generic drugs, Awareness, Turaif, Saudi Arabia.


Author(s):  
Helen Inseng Duh ◽  
Chuma Diniso

Purpose Cheaper generic anti-retroviral medicines are encouraged and often prescribed in South Africa for HIV/AIDS treatment. However, the medicines’ acceptance rate is relatively low. This has been attributed to inadequate brand knowledge of the bioequivalence of generic medicines. Studies have examined how brand knowledge structure lead to purchase. The contributions of brand relationship builders (i.e. trust and satisfaction), which are indicators of sustainable purchase, are rarely considered. This study aims to adapt Esch, Langner, Schmitt and Geus’ (2006) brand knowledge structure and relationship model to examine the impact of South African young adults’ brand knowledge structure (brand awareness, brand image and brand beliefs) and trust on brand satisfaction and purchase. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data was quantitatively collected from 207 young adults through self-administered, paper-based questionnaires. Data was analysed with structural equation modelling. Findings Brand awareness, image, trust and belief in efficacy positively influenced purchase. All these factors, except brand awareness, positively led to satisfaction. The tested adapted model explained 53.0 and 58.5% variances of purchase and brand satisfaction, respectively. Practical implications Considering how much brand knowledge structure and trust explained purchase and satisfaction from the tested model, South African government, pharmaceutical marketers and consumer interest groups should educate young adults about the bioequivalence, safety and efficacy of generic medicines. With greater knowledge of these qualities, satisfaction is gained from purchase decision. Originality/value Instead of the usual examination of demographic differences in generic medicine beliefs and perception, this study contributes by revealing brand-related drivers of purchase and satisfaction.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e023667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate MacKrill ◽  
Keith J Petrie

ObjectiveFollowing a switch from either a generic or branded antidepressant (venlafaxine) to a new generic, we investigated the factors associated with a preference for branded medicines, side effects reported following switching and efficacy ratings of the new generic drug.DesignA cross-sectional survey of patients switched to a new generic.SettingPatients accessing venlafaxine information online from the New Zealand government pharmaceuticals funding website.Participants310 patients, comprising 205 originally on branded venlafaxine and 105 previously taking a generic version.Main outcome measuresAn online questionnaire assessing demographic factors, perceived sensitivity to medicines, trust in pharmaceutical agencies, sources of switch information, preference for branded medicine, new medicine perceptions, side effects and efficacy ratings.ResultsPreference for branded medicine was significantly stronger in older patients (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05), those taking branded venlafaxine (OR=2.02, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.64) and patients with a higher perceived sensitivity to medicine (OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.19). Different factors predicted side effects in those switching from the branded and those switching from the generic venlafaxine. Trust in pharmaceutical agencies and the number of side effects were significant predictors of efficacy ratings of the new generic in both patients switching from a branded and those switching from a generic version of venlafaxine.ConclusionsIn patients switching from a branded medicine and those already taking a generic, different demographic and psychological factors are associated with preference for branded medicine, side effect reporting and perceived efficacy of the new drug. When switching to new generic, there appears to be a close bidirectional relationship between the experience of side effects and perceived drug efficacy. Trust in pharmaceutical agencies impacts directly on perceived efficacy and increasing such trust could reduce the nocebo response following a generic switch.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 244-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazila Yousefi ◽  
Gholamhossein Mehralian ◽  
Farzad Peiravian ◽  
Simindokht Jahangiri ◽  
Razieh Ahmadi
Keyword(s):  

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42
Author(s):  
D.P. Khanal ◽  
P. Adhikari ◽  
S. Chapagain ◽  
S. Rayamajhi ◽  
S. Nakarmi ◽  
...  

Background: Pharmaceuticals play a key role in the prevention and treatment of disease. The worldwide availability of effective, safe and affordable pharmaceuticals is a key challenge for the global public health system. Large economic interests are at stake within the field of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical sales are existed as trade in many part of developing world including Nepal. At the same time, consumers (patients) are at mercy and unable to judge the quality, safety and, in many cases, the efficacy of the medicine, as well as whether the price is reasonable or not. They depend on others for assured quality medicines. Objective of this study was to find out the prescription written in generic name, availability of generic medicine in hospital pharmacy and outside pharmacy and cost effectiveness of brand –generic substitution in Manmohan Memorial Hospital Premises, Shyombu Kathmandu.Methods: All relevant information of brand-generic medicines and generic prescribing were recorded from the patient chart stored at medical record department except orthopedic department. In Orthopedic department, OPD prescriptions were recorded. Hospital pharmacy and outside pharmacy have been audited for the availability of generic medicines. Face to face interview with pharmacists in hospital and Drug Retailers were taken regarding the medicine available in generic name and medicine substitution. The recorded data were analyzed.Results: Only 298 out of 5120 medicines were found in generic name mostly from medical department, 215 medicines out of 812 medicines. There was no any single generic prescription in orthopedic department. In the hospital pharmacy and outside pharmacy have very few generic medicines. So no question of brand substitution by generic here. Mostly some large volume parental were available in generic names.Conclusion: Only 5.82 % of medicines were prescribed in generic name. Concerns over the therapeutic equivalence of branded products and generics are common amongst physicians, pharmacists and industries of course.JMMIHS.2018;4(1):33-42


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