Prescription Of Generic Drugs Research Articles

IJCM_227A: Perception and attitude towards Generic drug prescription among Medical Undergraduates of Mangalore

Background: The assessment of future doctor’s perceptions and understanding about generic medicines may help in recognizing possible barriers to greater generic medicine usage. This study was done to explore and evaluate the perceptions and attitudes towards prescribing generic drugs among medical undergraduates of Mangalore and the factors associated with it. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among Undergraduate Medical students of KMC, Mangalore. The data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results were expressed in tables and figures. The chi-square test was used for comparison across the groups, and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study was conducted among 282 students, with a mean age of 21 years. More than half of the participants,51.4%(n=145) were VI semester students. A higher proportion of them,72% were aware that generic medicine contains the same active substance(s) as the brand medicine, and 75.2% were aware that generic drug manufacturers need to conduct bioequivalence studies to show equivalence between the generic medicine and the branded medicine. Overall,64.9% agreed that generics are safe and 80.9% students think that there should be a training program to increase the awareness regarding generic drugs among doctors and patients. Conclusion: Although a good percentage of students had adequate knowledge about generic medicines; there was a significant proportion that expressed concerns about the same. These beliefs could represent a major hurdle to larger generic use and could lead to increased health-care expenses.

O68: Long term stroke prevention drug therapy following Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is good, but could be better

Abstract Introduction CEA reduces the risk of future stroke. The benefit is maximised with live-long drug therapy to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including stroke. Studies suggest around half discontinue these drugs within 12 months. We compared the drugs prescribed at CEA with those prescribed several years later. Methods Of 347 patients who underwent CEA between 2010-2019, at late follow-up (9+/-3.1y), 187 (54%) patients were alive. The prescription of generic MACE-reducing drugs (anti-thromboembolic, lipid-lowering, b-blockers and ACE-Inhibitors) and incidence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic cardiac disease, stroke) at CEA were compared with that at late follow-up. Results At late follow-up, fewer were taking antiplatelet drugs (170v143 p<0.01), but more were formally anticoagulated (4v37 p<0.01). Overall there was no change in anti-thromboembolic prescription rates. Lipid-regulating drugs were equally highly prescribed at CEA and follow-up (169v173), Both B-blocker and ACE-Inhibitor prescriptions rates were low, but had increased by follow-up (46v69 p<0.01; 38v88 p<0.01). More patients were treated for hypertension at follow-up (67v166 p<0.01), but numbers with managed diabetes had not changed at late follow-up. 47 (25%) of patients had a history of ischaemic heart disease at CEA and 24 (14%) had developed new symptoms. There were 22 (12%) new strokes at late follow-up. Discussion Despite a higher than expected prescription rate of MACE-reducing drugs years after CEA, which is tailored to the patient’s changing needs, continued improvement is needed to optimise cardiovascular protection fully.

Availability and Cost of Expensive and Common Generic Prescription Drugs: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Direct-to-Consumer Pharmacies.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmacies sell generic prescription drugs, often at lower prices than traditional retail pharmacies; however, not all drugs are available, and prices vary. To determine the availability and cost of generic drugs at DTC pharmacies. Cross-sectional study. Five national DTC pharmacies in April and May 2023. Each qualifying form of 100 generic drugs with the highest cost-per-patient (expensive) and the 50 generic drugs with the highest number of patients (common) in Medicare Part D in 2020 MAIN MEASURES: Availability of these drugs and the lowest DTC pharmacy price for a standardized drug strength and supply (e.g., 30 pills), compared to GoodRx retail pharmacy prices. Of the 118 expensive generic dosage forms, 94 (80%) were available at 1 or more DTC pharmacies; out of 52 common generic dosage forms, 51 (98%) were available (p < 0.001). Of the 88 expensive generics available in comparable quantities and strengths across pharmacies, 42 (47%) had the lowest cost at Amazon, 23 (26%) at Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, 13 (14%) at Health Warehouse, and 12 (13%) at Costco; for 51 common generic formulations, 16 (31%) had the lowest cost at Costco, 14 (27%) at Amazon, 10 (20%) at Walmart, 6 (12%) at Health Warehouse, and 5 (10%) at Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. For the 77 expensive generics with available GoodRx retail pharmacy prices, the median cost savings at DTC pharmacies were $231 (95% CI, $129-$792) or 76% (IQR, 53-91%); for 51 common generics, savings were $19 (95% CI, $10-$34) or 75% (IQR, 67-83%). Many of the most expensive generic drugs are unavailable at direct-to-consumer pharmacies. Meanwhile, less expensive, commonly used generics are widely available, but drug prices vary by pharmacy and savings are modest, requiring patients to shop around for the lowest cost.

(164) Potential Savings with Use of Cost Plus Pharmacy for Medical Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction With its stated goal “to end ridiculous drug prices,” the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) launched in January 2022 with over 100 generic prescription drugs available to be mailed directly to patients without the involvement of health insurance. To promote drug cost transparency, all drugs are priced at the cost to manufacture the drug with a 15% administrative markup, a $3 pharmacist fee, and a $5 shipping fee. Prior research has focused on the theoretical savings MCCPDC could offer if Medicare purchased drugs at MCCPDC prices with studies reporting a potential $3.3 billion in savings for Medicare. Prescription drug spending is continuing to rise in the United States and providers are increasingly considering patient’s out-of-pocket costs. MCCPDC touts a transparent, consistent pricing model, but it is unclear if this pricing model will actually translate to cost savings for patients. Objective We sought to analyze if Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) can offer savings directly to patients compared with other mail-order pharmacies, local pharmacies (based on zip code of our urology clinic) and with patients using health insurance to fill prescriptions for their sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. Methods Out of the approximately 100 generic drugs available on MCCPDC website, we analyzed the 3 drugs that are prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. We analyzed drug prices of 30 and 90-day prescriptions at the same dose of each medication. Using Good Rx prescription drug search engine, we compared the drug prices of the cheapest mail order and local in person pharmacies near our zip code. We also included prices for the recently started telemedicine company Roman. To compare if MCCPDC could offer savings to patients using health insurance to fill their prescriptions, we extracted the out-of-pocket drug costs for patients from the 2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS; a national survey that compiles data from both the pharmacy and the survey respondent to determine the exact cost of each prescription filled during that year) and the 2020 Medicare Part D spending data. Medicare Part D spending data was used to estimate the out-of-pocket cost for each medication, which is approximately a 25% copayment for Medicare prescriptions. Results MCCPDC offered the lowest direct-to-consumer price on sildenafil and tadalafil 90-day prescriptions (Table 1). MCCPDC saved patients approximately $10 per sildenafil and tadalafil prescription compared with the next cheapest option. We found additional, although smaller, savings at 30-day prescriptions for sildenafil and tadalafil. MCCPDC was not the cheapest option for vardenafil. Compared with Roman, MCCPDC offered cheaper prescriptions for sildenafil and tadalafil by over $300 and $900, respectively. Conclusions MCCPDC can offer significant cost savings to patients, especially considering the high number of sildenafil and tadalafil prescriptions each year. The transparency and consistency in pricing with MCCPDC can be utilized by providers when counseling patients on medical therapy options for erectile dysfunction. Disclosure No.

Clinical Utilization of Generic Drugs and Biosimilars for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment: Insights from a Nationwide Database Study in Japan

Introduction: Limited data exist regarding the prevalence and clinical practice involving generic drugs and biosimilars for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. We aimed to clarify the clinical usage of these generic drugs and biosimilars for UC treatment in Japan using a nationwide database. Methods: We collected data from 30,675 UC cases, along with their prescriptions for both generic drugs or biosimilars and their original counterparts, using a medical claim database provided by DeSC Healthcare, Inc. We calculated the prescription and penetration rates of generic drugs and biosimilars and demonstrated the transition of these rates. Additionally, the cumulative retention rates between infliximab originator and biosimilar were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The prescription rate of generic mesalazine increased from approximately 10% in 2015 to over 30% in 2021. Although the prescription rate of generic molecular targeting drugs (MTDs) also increased from approximately 0.15% in 2014 to 2.5% in 2021, the increment was lower than that of generic mesalazine. The penetration rates of generic 5-aminosalicylic acid and tacrolimus ranged from over 30% to approximately 50%. Infliximab biosimilar achieved an approximate 20% penetration rate, whereas adalimumab achieved <5%. The cumulative retention rates did not differ between infliximab originator and biosimilar. Conclusions: The penetration rates of generics and biosimilars for UC treatment are relatively low compared with those for treatment in other fields and the goal of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Several countermeasures are necessary for the widespread use of generics and biosimilars, ultimately contributing to cost-effective and sustainable healthcare delivery.

Drug use Pattern with Standard Indicators in Chattogram Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh

Irrational prescription being a global problem leading to ineffective, unsafe treatment. This study was conducted between November 10, 2019 to January 20, 2020 to assess drug use pattern using WHO/INRUD core prescribing indicators at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Total 500 patients were selected randomly. The results showed average number of drugs per encounter is 4.41 (optimal range = 1.6–1.8), generic drug prescription was 1.54% (optimal value = 100%), encounters with an antibiotic prescribed were 32.6% (optimal range =20.0–26.8%), encounters with an injection prescribed were 24.8% (optimal range =13.4–24.1%), drugs prescribed from EDL were 50.43% (optimal value = 100%) and drugs prescribed from the WHO EDL were 56.96% (optimal value = 100%). Average consultation time was 3.1 min (optimal value ≥10 min), average dispensing time was 35 s (optimal value ≥90 s) and the patients’ knowledge of correct dosage was 62.1% (optimal value =100%. The hospital had no copy of EDL and key drugs available in the stock were 82% (optimal value =100%). The concept of generic prescribing was negligible. There was reduced prescription of drugs from the National List of Essential Medicines, the prescription of antibiotics and injections was slightly higher than normal. Shorter consultation and dispensing time may lead to inadequate information about the medication being given to patients and patients had little chance to obtain information about their treatment. This study necessitates we are in need of strict scrutiny on the prescribing method of our country. So, we can achieve the goal of rational use of drug.

Lebanese pharmacists’ knowledge of generic drugs and factors affecting their use and selection following the pandemic and the economic crisis: A pilot cross-sectional study

Background Pharmacists are crucial in lowering pharmaceutical expenditures by substituting brand-name drugs for generic drugs. They are expected to understand the principles and practices of generic drug substitution for high-quality patient care. Some key areas of knowledge include bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence, regulatory requirements, drug interchangeability, and adequate patient counseling. Objectives This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and practice of generic drug substitution among pharmacists in Lebanon following the crises and the factors affecting the prescription and selection of generic drugs. Methods A pilot descriptive cross-sectional study targeting 80 Lebanese pharmacists was conducted over 2 months (September-October 2022), in which data were collected using a uniform survey. Results Overall, pharmacists had a good knowledge of generic drugs in terms of active ingredients (97.5%), pharmaceutical form (85.0%), lower cost (88.7%), bioequivalence to the brand before (95.0%), and therapeutic equivalence. Nevertheless, 22.5% reported that generic drugs are less safe than brands, and 22.5% said they cause side effects or did not know. Among the possible factors that influence the prescription of generic drugs, 35.0% of pharmacists reported that the financial situation of the patient is among the least important factors, while the lack of possible alternatives (45.0%) and the difference in prices (40.0%) were the most important ones. The price of different generics on the market was among the most important factors (36.3%) affecting the selection of generic drugs, followed by the patient’s. preference (26.3%). Only 11.2% considered the information given by pharmaceutical firms could affect their choice, and 10.0% considered the presence or not of excipients with known effects in the formulation. Conclusion Most pharmacists in Lebanon were familiar with generic drugs and supported generic drug substitution. Factors affecting generic drug use and prescription should be further explored to clarify misconceptions and reduce possible adverse events.

Letter to the editor: Editorial: Opinion of patients seeking primary care regarding prescription of generic drugs: A cross-sectional study.

Aaa

Generic drugs prescription behavior: A pilot study on Tunisian doctors

ABSTRACT Generic drugs seem a promising alternative to decrease healthcare costs. However, on one hand, doctors express reluctance toward this kind of drug, and on the other hand, existing literature remains silent about factors explaining their prescribing behavior. The current study mobilizes the Health Belief Model to offer a better understanding of the factors that hinder the prescription of generic drugs by doctors in terms of benefits, barriers, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, and action cues. Twenty-four in-depth interviews were conducted with doctors from different specialties. Projective techniques were used including Chinese portrait, completion test, completion task, and association tests. Data analysis was processed using Sphinx software. The paper offers practical recommendations for health authorities and pharmaceutical firms to better promote generics. Increasing the prescription of generic drugs, compared to branded drugs, may increase patient access to affordable drug treatments, decrease healthcare costs and establish rational utilization of medicines. Generic drugs prescription may consequently play an essential role in improving the quality of life.

Generic and Specific Drug Prescription – The Rural – Urban Divide

The current climate of widespread irrational drug use and the subsequent rise in drug resistance makes the study of drug use patterns among medical professionals very important. To improve people's health in the twenty-first century, we need a health care delivery system that works efficiently. According to the Alma-Ata statement of 1978, the two basic components of the primary health-care approach are the appropriate treatment of regularly occurring illnesses and accidents and the distribution of needed medications. Inappropriate use of antibiotics and injections, as well as underuse of medications on the essential pharmaceuticals list, are all highlighted by this research

Bioequivalence, Drugs with Narrow Therapeutic Index and The Phenomenon of Biocreep: A Critical Analysis of the System for Generic Substitution.

The prescription of generic drugs represents one of the main cost-containment strategies of health systems, aimed at reducing pharmaceutical expenditure. In this context, most regulatory authorities encourage or obligate dispensing generic drugs because they are far less expensive than their brand-name alternatives. However, drug substitution can be critical in particular situations, such as the use of drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). Moreover, generics cannot automatically be considered bioequivalent with each other due to the biocreep phenomenon. In Italy, the regulatory authority has established the Transparency Lists which include the medications that will be automatically substituted for brand-name drugs, except in exceptional cases. This is a useful tool to guide prescribers and guarantee pharmaceutical sustainability, but it does not consider the biocreep phenomenon.

ESTIMATES ON MEDICATION COST OF DRUG DOSE SPECIFIC TREATMENT PROTOCOL FOR HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SECTORS IN INDIA

Objective: Hypertension is a major public health challenge in most low- and middle-income countries and calls for prioritization of large-scale hypertension control programs. Adoption of drug and dose specific treatment protocols as recommended by the WHO-HEARTS is crucial for scaling up effective hypertension treatment in resource-limited settings. This study estimated the annual cost of medication per patient using three such protocols in India. Design and method: The medication requirement was simulated with a range of hypertension control assumptions for the selected protocols based on preliminary observations from sentinel sites of a large-scale hypertension control program in the public sector. Two five-step single molecule and a single pill combination (SPC) based antihypertensive treatment protocols were selected for this study and the approximate medication costs was calculated based on Indian prices in the public and private sectors. Result: The approximate annual cost of antihypertensive medication per patient ranged from $33.88–58.44 in the private sector when using a single molecule drug protocol and from $51.57–68.83 when using a SPC drugs protocol. The cost of medication was lower in the generic stores ranging between $5.78–9.57 for single molecule protocols and $7.35–9.89 for protocol with SPC. The cost of medication for patients covered by the public sector was the lowest at $2.05–3.89 for single molecule protocols and $2.94–3.98 for SPC. Conclusion: At less than $4 per patient per annum, scaling up hypertension control program with drug and dose specific treatment protocols is a potentially cost-effective public health intervention to save lives and reduce expenses associated with cardiovascular complications in India. Generic drug prescription enforcement and the development of low-cost generic retail networks would increase affordability in the private sector. The cost of treatment with SPCs is comparable to the single molecule protocol, and therefore SPC based treatment protocol can be adopted in a public health program considering the advantage of simplified logistics, reduced pill burden, improved treatment adherence and blood pressure control.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Generic Drugs: A Cross Sectional Study

Generic medicines are pharmaceutical products usually intended to be interchangeable with the originator brand product, manufactured without a license from the originator manufacturer and marketed after the expiry of patent or other exclusivity rights. The current potential economic benefits associated with their use have been exponentially rising and thus, generic medicines are a significant approach to reduce the massive expenditure on medicines. Governments are thus emphasizing on and promoting the usage of generic medicines. However, negative perceptions of their quality influence use and raise issues of certainty and trust in medications. The objective of this study is to identify consumers in terms of their perceptions towards branded and generic medicines in the country. A cross - sectional study was conducted with consumers of various age demographics and location factors. Using convenience sampling, survey forms were distributed to them via social media platforms. For a period of 30 days, 236 respondents had participated in the survey. Assessments of the results were conducted on qualitative data to develop an insight into the perception of medicines amongst the masses. The survey confirmed that generic drug awareness was considerably high among younger age groups than older respondents. An overwhelming 78% respondent understood that generic medicines are cheaper than branded medicines. Regardless, 34.8% of respondents who were aware of generic drugs did not realize that they were less expensive than brand-name drugs. The survey conducted showed a high support for generic substitution. Furthermore, it indicates that programs should be implemented in order to boost generic drug prescriptions by medical practitioners.&#x0D; Keywords: generic, branded, awareness, healthcare, survey

Does Entry Remedy Collusion? Evidence from the Generic Prescription Drug Cartel

Does Entry Remedy Collusion? Evidence from the Generic Prescription Drug Cartel

Does Entry Remedy Collusion? Evidence from the Generic Prescription Drug Cartel

Does Entry Remedy Collusion? Evidence from the Generic Prescription Drug Cartel

Generic Pharmaceuticals as a Source of Diuretic Contamination in Athletes Subject to Sport Drug Testing.

This paper describes nine instances of positive anti-doping tests that could be accounted for by the use of permitted generic prescription drugs contaminated with diuretics, which are prohibited in sport at all times under the WADA Prohibited List. The contamination levels found in the medications are reported and were below FDA limits for manufacturers that are based primarily on safety considerations. These cases demonstrate that great care must be taken to identify the source of low-level anti-doping positives for diuretics reported by WADA-accredited laboratories, and possibly other prohibited substances as well, in order to avoid sanctioning innocent athletes. An evaluation of the cases in this paper supports an approach which establishes a laboratory minimum reporting level (MRL) for diuretics found most commonly in medications. A global consensus after extensive review of similar anti-doping cases has resulted in implementation of a recently announced solution regarding potential diuretic contamination cases.

Prescription Drugs Price Setting and Generic Drugs Prescription concerning Consumer Protection Law in Indonesia

&lt;p&gt;Health is one of the most important human rights in human life. Access to affordable prescription drugs is still a problem for people with out-of-pocket expenses. Generic prescription drugs that are much cheaper than non-generic drugs are still low, especially in non-government healthcare facilities. This research aims to provide suggestions of regulation on price control of prescription drugs and generic prescription drugs that will assure certainty and affordability for the public. The methodology is doctrinal legal research and is supported by empirical studies. The research finding consist of two things, namely the price of prescription drugs and the prescription of generic drugs. The first finding is that Highest Retail Price (HET) set by the manufacturer is potentially to be unlimited because there is no limit control. Currently, there are many drugs sold over HET with minimal supervision from the Government. The absence of law is found as the existing regulations are only for those listed in the National Formulary, while the rest have not been regulated. Therefore, the suggestion is to set ceiling prices for prescription drugs with comparison among generic drugs, branded generic drugs, and the originator; also create a refund mechanism for prices above HET to assure the consumers’ rights to get compensation under the Consumer Protection Law. The second finding is that only a few doctors prescribe generic drugs. Additionally, patients have not been involved in the treatment decisions.Therefore, the suggestion is to associate "the action of prescribing generic drugs" with the extension of doctor's license, namelythe Registration Certificate (STR); so that doctors will prescribe generic drugs without the need for close supervision due to their interests. With the increase of generic drugs’ prescription, the financing of health services, nationwide as well asindividually, can become more affordable.&lt;/p&gt;

The Effect of Educational Intervention on Rational Prescribing in Public Health Facilities in Selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State: An Interventional Study

Background: Despite progress made so far in identifying intervention models to improve drug use, irrational use of drugs has remained a serious global health problem. The study intends to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention on rational prescribing among prescribers in selected local government areas of Rivers State.&#x0D; Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study that measured the effect of educational intervention on rational prescribing of drugs among prescribers in public health facilities in two selected Local Government Areas (LGA) of Rivers State: Ikwerre LGA (KELGA) which served as the control and Port Harcourt LGA (PHALGA) which served as the intervention by using cluster sampling with randomization. Paired data were analysed using McNemar’s Chi-square test and the paired t-test. The level of significance was set at P≤ 0.05. The EPI-INFO version 7.02 statistical software was used in the analysis.&#x0D; Results: Findings showed that the largest category of prescribers was nurse/midwives representing 48.61% and 44.4% in the intervention and control LGA respectively. There was an improvement in the knowledge and attitude of respondents in the facilities in the intervention LGA at one month and three months post-intervention (P&lt;0.05). The average number of drugs per encounter (ANDPE), the percentage encounters with an antibiotic (PEA), the percentage encounters with an injection (PEI) were lower for the interventions group compared to the control (P&lt;0.05). Percentage generic drug prescription (PGD) was higher in the intervention group compared to the control (P=0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Educational intervention was an effective and sustainable means of improving rational prescribing in the state. Update courses and continuing medical education on rational drug use should be held periodically for health care professionals by the State and National Primary Health Care Development Agency as well as other interested stakeholders.

Drug prescribing pattern of antifungal drugs for local fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital: MAMC, Agroha

Background: Drug utilization research or studies are the powerful exploratory tools to ascertain the role of drugs in the society which refers to the marketing, distribution, prescription and use of drugs with special emphasis on the medical, social and economic consequences. Periodic prescription audit in form of drug utilization study is a way to improve the quality of prescription and promote rational prescribing.Methods: This was a prospective and an observational study. Prescriptions included all newly diagnosed patients with cutaneous fungal infection of both sexes who attended dermatology OPD. Factors considered were sociodemographic parameters and WHO prescribing indicators.Results: 1000 prescriptions were analysed of patients between 18 to 65 years of age with cutaneous fungal infections. The average number of drugs per encounter was 3.68. The percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 50.33% and the percentage of drugs prescribed from NLEM was 20.93%.Conclusions: This study indicates that prescribing practices of drugs in tertiary care hospital can be improved by promoting generic name drug prescribing, prescribing drugs from NLEM and by reducing polypharmacy.

Generic drug prescribing in primary care: A nationwide analysis.

Dissemination of generic drug (GD) use could provide significant savings on drug expenditures and contribute to the long-term sustainability of healthcare. We aimed to exhibit the nationwide trend of GD use in primary care and investigate potentially relevant drug and patient factors. Prescriptions written by primary care physicians in Turkey between 2013 and 2016 were analysed using the National Prescribing Information System. We determined the ratio of GD prescriptions with all prescriptions in terms of quantity and cost. In addition, we analysed the use of GD in terms of demographic characteristics of the patients, the most frequently prescribed preparations and frequent indications. In the 4-year period, we identified 518,335,821 prescriptions, those with at least one GD constituted 54.0% (n=786,972,813) with a total cost-share of 36.9%-37.8%. GD use was the highest in 2016 (54.4%) and lowest in 2014 (53.6%). GD prescribing was higher in women than men every year (P<.001 for each), with the highest difference in 2016 as 54.7% vs 54.0%. GD utilisation decreased as the age group increased, which was 64.0%-64.5% in <18-year-old group and 46.0%-47.1% in ≥75-year-old group. Among the top ten encountered indications, the highest and lowest GD prescribing was detected in acute tonsillitis (68.1%) and hypertension (33.9%). Metformin had the highest percentage of GD prescribing (96.1%-97.7%), whereas esomeprazole showed the lowest GD prescribing (4.5%-14.8%) among the most frequently used preparations in primary care. This study shows a modest upward trend of GD utilisation in primary care, though its share appears to be lower than expected. GD use revealed a consistent reduction towards older age groups. GDs were more likely to be prescribed for acute conditions, particularly infectious diseases.