Opinion of primary care physicians regarding prescription of generic drugs

Abstract

Background: Generics are low-cost alternatives of the existing approved branded drugs. The aim of this work was to study knowledge and perception about generic drugs among the doctors practicing in government and private healthcare sectors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a prevalidated questionnaire. Physicians working in government and private healthcare sectors were asked to fill the survey form after obtaining written informed consent. Descriptive analysis was used. Results: Of 240, 11.6% of primary care physicians could identify all the correct statements regarding generic drugs and 57% physicians agreed or strongly agreed that doctors should prescribe only generic drugs. Substandard quality (24.4%) and less effectiveness (35.6%) of generics was cited major reason for low use. Majority (76.1%) believed that patients will accept substitution of branded with generics but 21% either did not or rarely inform patients regarding generics. Only 11.7% considered generics has low efficacy as compared to branded drugs but majority (57.4%) denied the interchangeability of generics. Majority were aware about the Jan Aushadhi scheme (79.3%) and Indian Medical Council Act (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) (76.8%). For personal use, 45.6% preferred generics. Around 44% agreed/strongly agreed for pharmacist's right to substitute branded drugs with generics but private practicing physicians opted against it. Conclusion: Knowledge and acceptance of generic drugs is still low amongst the doctors. Efforts need to be done increase the awareness and acceptability.

A Study of Drug Utilization Pattern and Pharmacoeconomic Analysis of Immunosuppressant Drugs in Patients With Skin Disorders in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bihar

“…Only 8.58% (n=10) of drugs were prescribed by generic name. This may be probably due to substandard quality and low effectiveness of generic drugs in our country [16][17][18]. Generic forms of the prescribed immunosuppressants were cheaper than the branded form, but we have determined the cost of the therapy from the price of the branded/generic name from the central pharmacy of the hospital.…”

Off‐brand: A 6‐year study of medication brand and generic name usage in a multifacility academic healthcare system

“…Another possible explanation is the degree of patient contact and education each healthcare professional provides. Numerous studies have shown that patients tend to have a preference for branded versions of drugs over generics, 5,6 and may be more familiar with brand names due to their easier pronunciation and the influence of direct-to-patient advertising. This point is supported by our findings related to patient instructions, which are the only note types targeted toward patients and have a significantly higher brand name mention frequency.…”

“…First, it represents a potential conflict of interest; usage of a particular brand name rather than a generic name, even if the medication is patent-protected, provides free advertising for a particular pharmaceutical company, and tacitly expresses a preference for the brand formulation when a generic version is available. Second, it may perpetuate the perception among patients and clinicians that brand medications are "better" than generics; recent studies suggest that this perception still exists [4][5][6] despite ample evidence to the contrary. 7,8 Third, usage of brand names may change prescribing behaviors when generic alternatives exist, thereby potentially increasing cost of care.…”