A review of patient perspectives on generics substitution: what are the challenges for optimal drug use

Helle Håkonsen · Else‐Lydia Toverud

52 citations0/0 files storedGenerics and Biosimilars Initiative Journal

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Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy Medication Adherence and Compliance Biosimilars and Bioanalytical Methods

Abstract

As the review focused on the patients' perspectives Introduction: With a few exceptions, generic drug use has been promoted in western countries by allowing pharmacists to substitute drugs defined as therapeutically equivalent generics.The aim of this literature review is to summarise the research on the patients' perspectives of generics substitution in the western world between 2000 and 2011 with special emphasis on the challenges these attitudes present for optimal drug use.Methods: A literature search was undertaken in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), and SciVerse Scopus with the aim of identifying all the peer reviewed, original research articles concerning patient perspectives on generics substitution in western countries published between 1 January 2000 and 1 March 2011.Results: The 20 studies included in this review indicate that close to one-third of all patients were uneasy about having their drug(s) substituted generically.Between 8-34% of patients reported poorer effects and/or new side effects after a change-except for antiepileptic drug users from which the number of reports was even higher.Poor awareness of generics substitution caused confusion and reduced the patients' willingness and ability to take their medication as prescribed.Patients' acceptance of generics substitution was influenced by age, educational levels, perceptions about disease, generic drug information, and who informed them about the change.The studies consistently suggested a continuing need for information directed at patients and an increased involvement of physicians.Conclusion: This literature review suggests that although generics substitution is well accepted by the majority of patients, about one-third of the patients report negative experiences which may lead to poor adherence and medication errors.

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1996Effect of colour of drugs: systematic review of perceived effect of drugs and of their effectiveness 2009Patients’ Perceptions Of Generic Medications 2005What do primary care patients think about generic drugs?2006Patients’ attitudes towards and experiences of generic drug substitution in Norway 2000Consumer Perceptions of Risk and Required Cost Savings for Generic Prescription Drugs 2006Customers’ and physicians’ opinions of and experiences with generic substitution during the first year in Finland 2010An evaluation of consumers’ knowledge, perceptions and attitudes regarding generic medicines in Auckland 2008Generic substitution in the treatment of epilepsy: Patient and physician perceptions

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2017Generic versus branded medicines: An observational study among patients with chronic diseases attending a public hospital outpatient department

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