Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9335

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Chirac P.
Generics: neither angels nor demons
Prescrire International 1992; 1:(4):176-179

Abstract:

The advantages and disadvantages of generic drugs are discussed from a French viewpoint, including the dependence of the quality of generics on regulatory bodies, generic substitution as the responsibility of health professionals, cost savings depending on drug legislation, the role of prescribers and pharmacists, and the effects of generic prescribing on research. It was concluded that if French authorities do not encourage physicians and pharmacists to prescribe and dispense generics, France may soon become the only country in which the use of generics increases the total drug bill.