Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9591

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

Chappell SC.
Among top 100 companies: 26 generic firms show aggregate 17% growth
Pharmacy Times 1987 Oct; 53:63-64, 67-69

Abstract:

Statistics from the National Prescription Audit comparing prescription volume for the first half of 1987 with volume for the initial 6 months of 1986 are presented. The comparison showed the same disparate pattern between new and refill prescription trends. Although the width of the disparity was not as significant as that noted in the full yr 1986/1985 the trends continue to be in opposite directions; new prescriptions have grown by 3%, while refills have declined by only 1%. Pharmacist brand choice decisions were noted in some 25% of all new prescriptions dispensed in the first 6 months of 1987. The corresponding figure for the first half of 1986 was 24%. The trend represents an increase in the share of the market controlled by pharmacists. January to June 1987 data list 26 generic houses among the top 100 companies. Updated top 200 product lists during the first 6 months of 1987 are presented in a table.