Healthy Skepticism Library item: 19132

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Publication type: Journal Article

Babar ZU, Grover P, Stewart J, Hogg M, Short L, Seo HG, Rew A
Evaluating pharmacists’ views, knowledge, and perception regarding generic medicines in New Zealand
Res Social Adm Pharm 2010 Aug 3;
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B7RN1-50PJJFB-1&_user=10&_coverDate=08%2F05%2F2010&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=5d0495163b172bc10ca5d46340d3adbe&searchtype=a

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Generic medicines are
commonly used in New Zealand;
however, Pharmaceutical Management
Agency of New Zealand (PHARMAC) has
indicated a need for better
information to the public. Studies
on consumers’ perceptions suggest
that pharmacists play an important
role in consumers’ choice; hence,
“quality use of generic medicines”
can be promoted with a better
understanding of pharmacists’ views,
knowledge, and perception.

OBJECTIVES: (1)To evaluate
pharmacists’ perceptions, views, and
knowledge of and willingness to
recommend generic medicines. (2) To
explore pharmacists perceptions of
the safety, quality, and efficacy of
generic medicines. (3) To assess
pharmacists’ views on current policy
with respect to substitution of
generic medicines.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey
using a postal questionnaire was
conducted, and questionnaires were
sent to 625 randomly selected
pharmacists from a list of 1594
pharmacists who had agreed to
release their details for research
purposes.

RESULTS: Three-hundred and sixty
pharmacists responded to the
questionnaire (a response rate of
58%). Seventy percent of pharmacists
stated there is no difference in
safety between original brand and
generic medicines. However, 65%
stated that original brand medicines
were of higher quality than their
generic counterparts, and half
stated that generic medicines and
original brand medicines are equally
effective. A large number of
pharmacists reported concerns
regarding brand substitution and
offered suggestions, such as the
need for advertising campaigns,
patient pamphlets, updating
prescribers’ software, and distinct
packaging for generic medicines. It
was found that pharmacists’
perceptions of generic medicines are
primarily driven by PHARMACs
policies and their experiences with
consumers.

CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of
pharmacists correctly defined the
term “generic medicines,” suggesting
discrepancies in pharmacists’
knowledge and perceptions of generic
medicines. Concerns were raised
regarding: quality, safety, and
effectiveness; however, most of the
pharmacists acknowledged the
economic benefits to the health care
system.