Prescription Of Generic Drugs Research Articles

Evaluation of public's knowledge, attitude and experiences towards the generic medications in building healthcare policy.

The increasing cost of prescription drugs has high concern and associated with medication nonadherence and adverse health outcomes. The use of generic prescription drugs by the patients depends on if recommended by competent healthcare providers. Generic medicines, which are cheaper and bioequivalent to brand-name drugs, offer an opportunity to reduce healthcare expenditures of Saudi Arabia's healthcare system as per the Vision 2030 plan. Therefore, the current study was conducted to assess the population awareness, attitude and perception towards the generic medications particularly those locally manufactured in Saudi Arabia. We managed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study and included indices like demographic sections, knowledge of generic medications, perception of generic medication use, and previous experience. Data was collected over 12 weeks from February 2022 to April 2022 using an online survey tool. A study of 462 participants found that the majority were male (54.97%), young (55.4%), with a graduate or post-graduate degree (73.5%) and employed (43.29%). The majority reported good health, with 75.5% reporting good health. The study found significant differences in knowledge about generic drugs, their country of origin, and their benefits and utility. Most participants had positive attitudes towards generic medications, with 45% believing they are as effective as those from other countries. The study also revealed a significant difference in participants' experience and usage of medications particularly satisfaction to health outcome. Enhancing healthcare professionals' perceptions of generics can positively influence patient/consumer opinions and trust in generic medicines. Patients' high trust in prescribing physicians also influences these opinions, as their opinions can influence patient/consumer opinions.

Correlation between prescription volumes of generic antiepileptic drugs and the number of clinical epileptologists across prefectural regions in Japan: A descriptive study using a national claims database

PurposeAlthough generic drugs are essential in reducing medical costs, their use in epilepsy therapy remains a subject of ongoing debate. In this study, we analysed prescription trends of generic drugs using data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB) Open Data Japan. MethodsThe number of generic drug prescriptions from 2017–2021 was extracted from the NDB Open Data Japan, with data for each medication stratified by prefectural region, sex, and age, allowing for the analysis of the impact of each factor. We analysed the correlation between the prescription volumes of generic antiseizure medications (ASMs) and the number of clinical epileptologists registered with the Japan Epilepsy Society per 100,000 population. ResultsIn 2021, the prescription volume of generic ASMs was 49 %, whereas that for other pharmacological agents was between 70–80 %. Notably, for children < 15 years of age, generics made up approximately 20 % of prescriptions, which was significantly less than that in other age groups. Analysis by prefecture revealed a negative correlation between prescription volumes of ASMs and the number of clinical epileptologists across prefectural regions in Japan (R = −0.47, p < 0.01). ConclusionOur findings indicate that the higher the proportion of clinical epileptologists in each prefecture, the lower the number of prescribed generic ASMs. Clinical epileptologists in Japan therefore prescribe antiseizure agents in accordance with the Japanese epilepsy treatment guidelines that do not recommend the use of generic agents.

The Place of Generic Medicines in Hospital Prescriptions: A Survey Conducted in Medical Departments of the University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco.

A generic medication is a copy of an original drug for which the patent has expired. It contains the same active substances and is equivalent in terms of safety, efficacy, and pharmaceutical quality. Generic drugs are produced after the expiration of the brand-name drug's patent, which enables greater competition and reduces costs for patients and healthcare systems. They are subjected to strict regulatory and quality control standards to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical norms. This study aims to determine the current status of generic drug prescribing within the medical departments of the Mohammed VI University Hospital (UH) of Marrakesh. This is a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims, involving 224 prescriptions issued in the medical departments of the Mohammed VI University Hospital (UH) of Marrakesh. To obtain the data required for the study, we included medical records, prescription sheets, and prescriptions delivered to hospitalized patients. In our study, 224prescriptions were analyzed, with an overall total of 989 prescribed drugs, and a mean of 4.42 +- 2.39 drugs per prescription. Prescriptions from the Psychiatry Department accounted for 258 (26.09%) of total prescriptions, followed by those from the Cardiology Department at 130 (13.14%)and the Internal Medicine Department at 114 (11.53%). The generic prescribing rate for the UH's medical departments was 403 (40.75%). The Oncology Department had the highest generic prescribing rate (27 (64.29%)), followed by the Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology departments, at 29 (63.04%) and 34 (60.71%), respectively. In contrast, the Psychiatry Department had a generic prescribing rate of just 54 (20.93%). The most frequently prescribed classes as generic drugs were gastric antisecretory agents at 39 (100%), antiemetics at 32 (94.12%), and antivirals at nine (81.82%). The vast majority of drugs, 896 (90.59%), were reimbursable. In conclusion, we have noted that the generic drug prescription rate at the UH remains average compared with other institutions, and needs to be improved to optimize resources and control healthcare costs.

Factors Influencing Drug Prescribing for Patients with Hospitalization History in Circulatory Disease: Patient Severity, Composite Adherence, and Physician-Patient Relationship - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

With countries promoting generic drug prescribing, their growth may plateau, warranting further investigation into the factors influencing this trend, including physician and patient perspectives. Additional strategies may be needed to maximize the switch to generic drugs while ensuring healthcare system sustainability, focusing on factors beyond mere low cost. Emphasizing affordability and clarifying other prescription considerations are essential. This study aimed to provide initial insights into how patient severity, composite adherence, and physician-patient relationships impact generic switching. This study utilized a long-term retrospective cohort design by analyzing data from a national healthcare database. The population included patients of all ages, primarily older adults, who required primary-to-tertiary preventive actions with a history of hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision) during April 2014 to March 2018 (4 years). We focused on switching to generic drugs, with temporal variations in clinical parameters as independent variables. Lifestyle factors (smoking and drinking) were also considered. Adherence was measured as a composite score comprising 11 elements. The physician-patient relationship was established based on the interval between physician change and prescription. Logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were employed, along with complementary analysis of physician-patient relationships, proportion of days covered (PDC), and adherence for a subset of the population. The study included 48,456 patients with an average follow-up of 36.1±8.8 months. The mean age was 68.3 ± 9.9 years, body mass index was 23.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2, systolic blood pressure was 131.2 ± 15.0 mmHg, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 116.6 ± 29.3 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 5.9% ± 0.8%, and serum creatinine was 0.9 ± 0.8 mg/dL. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between generic switching and systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR], 0.996, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.993-0.999), serum creatinine levels (OR, 0.837, 95% CI: 0.729-0.962), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels (OR, 0.994, 95% CI: 0.990-0.997), PDC score (OR, 0.959, 95% CI: 0.948-0.970), and adherence score (OR, 0.910, 95% CI: 0.875-0.947). Additionally, generic drug rates increased with improvements in the HbA1c level band and smoking level (P<.01, P<.001). The group with a superior physician-patient relationship after PSM had a significantly higher rate of generic drug prescribing (51.6±15.2%) than the inferior relationship group (47.7±17.7%) (P<.001). Although physicians' understanding influences the choice of generic drugs, patient condition (severity) and adherence also impact this decision. For example, improved creatinine levels are associated with generic drug choice, while stronger physician-patient relationships correlate with higher rates of generic drug utilization. These findings may contribute to the appropriate prescription of pharmaceuticals if the policy diffusion of generic drugs begins to slow down. Thus, preventing serious illness while building trust may result in clinical benefits and positive socio-economic outcomes.

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 &lt; 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&amp;lt;0.01), but more were formally anticoagulated (4v37 p&amp;lt;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&amp;lt;0.01; 38v88 p&amp;lt;0.01). More patients were treated for hypertension at follow-up (67v166 p&amp;lt;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.

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Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Prescribing Generic Medicines by Resident Doctors at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT Context: In this era of rapidly rising health-care costs, generic medications offer a more cost-effective alternative to branded medications. Aims: The main objective of this study is to evaluate junior (resident) doctors’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the prescription of generic medications in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Settings and Design: It is an observational, cross-sectional study held at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: An online, prevalidated questionnaire was used for this study. Results: A total response of 102 resident doctors was recorded. 75.70% (78) of the participants responded positively that generic medicines are cheaper than branded medicines. 68.90% (71) of participants had knowledge regarding Jan Aushadhi Yojana and generic medicine stores. About 90.30% (93) of participants positively suggested conducting a training program to increase the awareness regarding generic medicines and 86.40% (89) of participants suggested promoting the use of generic medicines. However, 26.20% (27) of participants had not read any article on generic medicines and 30.10% (31) participants disagreed with the substitution of a branded drug with a generic medicine by pharmacists. Sixty-five percent (67) of the participants preferred to prescribe generic medicines and 79.60% (82) of participants suggested that they are willing to encourage the patients to use generic medicines. Conclusions: Our study found that the resident doctors were well-versed in the idea of generic medications and their advantages. However, promoting training initiatives, setting up workshops, running journal club meetings, continuing medical education, etc., need to be planned to boost the number of prescriptions for generic drugs.

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