Abstract

INSIGHTS ON PATIENT PERCEPTION TOWARDS GENERIC VS BRANDED DRUGS

Gowri Parvathy S. R.*, Sowparnika Treasa Sabu and Prof. (Dr.) Shaiju S Dharan

Abstract

Background: Generic and branded are the two different versions of a same drug formulation. Although both are equivalent in all ways, there exists a confusion and misinformation about generic medications. According to WHO statistics, almost more than half of the world’s population deprives of health coverage. Also, people are at the edge of poverty due to their medical bills and spent most of their household budget on the medications. Several pharmaceutical companies, drug makers, advertisements, even medical professionals have influenced to draw a picture of misbelief among patients that branded ones are superior. Even during generic substitution (GS), there arises a doubt regarding the generic drug effectiveness. Various factors draw patient attention to branded drugs. Major myth that patients behold is ‘branded drugs are superior than generic ones’, ‘generics are of low quality as they are cheaper’. Methods: Literature review was conducted among various articles previously published related to generic and branded drugs and patient’s knowledge regarding the two versions of drug. Observation: Majority of the population held a negative impact on generic drugs. Although more than half of the patient population poses a good view about generic drugs, the number decreases when it comes to its use. Education, income, advice from health care professionals, advertisements have a major influence on improving generic drug use. Amidst all, government took various initiatives to improve generic use and to reduce financial burden.

Keywords: Generic, Branded drugs, Generic Substitution, Superior.