Generics/Research

Generic atypical antipsychotic drugs in Belgium

Generics/Research | Posted 02/06/2014

Health authorities are continually looking to increase the utilization of low cost generics to save considerable monies without compromising care, given the ever increasing pressure on available resources. Pressures are driven by ageing populations, the continual launch of new premium-priced drugs and stricter clinical management targets. The quest is enhanced by the number of standard drugs losing their patents in recent years.

Impact of delisting ARBs in Denmark

Generics/Research | Posted 23/05/2014

Health authorities are looking to increase the utilization of low cost generics to save considerable resources without compromising care. This includes Denmark [1].

Pharmacists’ attitudes towards generics in Czech Republic

Generics/Research | Posted 16/05/2014

A study carried out in the Czech Republic found that whether pharmacists routinely carried out generics substitution depended on their familiarity with the relevant legislation and their attitude towards generics substitution [1].

Attitudes towards generics in Turkey

Generics/Research | Posted 02/05/2014

Prescribers, pharmacists and patients in Turkey lack knowledge about generics. They may also be misinformed about generics, which can cause hesitation about the use of these drugs, according to Toklu and co-authors from the University of Istanbul, Turkey [1].

Free samples increase use of branded drugs

Generics/Research | Posted 25/04/2014

The practice of giving free samples to physicians to give out to their patients increases the use of brand-name drugs, according to research published in JAMA Dermatology [1].

Positive impact of a value-based approach to health care

Generics/Research | Posted 18/04/2014

A study into the use of value-based benefit design (VBBD) for members of an employee health benefits programme demonstrated that such a programme can have a positive impact on adherence and cost outcomes [1].

Prescribers, pharmacists and patients in Turkey believe generics differ from originators

Generics/Research | Posted 04/04/2014

A study carried out by Toklu and co-authors from the University of Istanbul, Turkey, has shown that many prescribers, pharmacists and patients in Turkey believe that generics differ from their originators [1].

The non-financial benefits of generics substitution

Generics/Research | Posted 28/03/2014

Switching between different generic brands of metformin is a good cost-effective approach that does not adversely affect the quality of care for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a retrospective study in Taiwan.

Generics contribution to availability of essential medicines

Generics/Research | Posted 14/03/2014

The creation of Essential Medicines Lists (EMLs) within country healthcare systems is promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to improve the availability and use of medicines considered essential.

Use of generic cardiovascular drugs in China

Generics/Research | Posted 07/03/2014

China has not yet recognized the importance of increasing generics use as a method to reduce drug prices. An analysis of drug prices in hospitals in the Chongqing province in China has shown that there are potentially major savings to be made by increasing the volume of generics used in China [1].

Compliance and persistence same for generic and brand-name alendronate

Generics/Research | Posted 28/02/2014

A retrospective analysis of data in Italy has shown that patients taking generic and brand-name alendronate showed the same rates of persistence and compliance [1].

Confusion exists in Brazil over generics

Generics/Research | Posted 21/02/2014

Brazilians are confused about generics and are unable to distinguish between a generic drug and a brand-name drug [1].

Impact of coupons on adherence to statins

Generics/Research | Posted 14/02/2014

Once patents expire, in an effort to maintain market share, originator manufacturers often initiate promotional activities such as drug samples and co-pay discount coupons that reduce patients out-of-pocket costs associated with the purchase of brand-name drugs.

Effects of income, competition and procurement on drug prices in emerging markets

Generics/Research | Posted 07/02/2014

Drugs are least affordable relative to income in low-income countries, according to an analysis of income, competition and procurement on drug prices in emerging markets [1].

Access to medicines in Shaanxi province China

Generics/Research | Posted 31/01/2014

Although generics in the Shaanxi province of China are significantly cheaper than their brand-name equivalents there is still room for improvement, according to a study of the prices and availability of selected medicines in the province [1].

Switching to generic cyclosporine A after heart transplant safe

Generics/Research | Posted 24/01/2014

Cyclosporine A is an immunosuppressant drug widely used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection. A study of switching between originator and generic drugs showed that the generic was well tolerated and that there were no differences between the originator and generic drugs [1].

Recent reforms and initiatives in Scotland to encourage the prescribing of generic drugs and the implications

Generics/Research | Posted 13/12/2013

Scotland has introduced a number of reforms and initiatives in recent years to enhance the prescribing of low cost generics, thereby saving money to help fund increased volumes and new premium priced drugs [1, 2]. However, there have been situations where no specific initiatives have been introduced [3, 4]. Consequently, analysis of the various initiatives in Scotland could provide examples to other countries seeking additional measures to further enhance their prescribing efficiency.

Understanding pharmaceutical expenditure

Generics/Research | Posted 06/12/2013

In the previous three articles by Vogler and co-authors price and volume components of pharmaceutical expenditure were discussed. In the final article of the series, some of the methodological challenges that can be faced in interpreting and analysing expenditure data are addressed and the challenges faced by the authors’ own survey of pharmaceutical expenditure data across European Union Member States are discussed [1].

Volume components of pharmaceutical expenditure

Generics/Research | Posted 29/11/2013

In the third of a series of four articles on pharmaceutical expenditure, Vogler and co-authors explain the different methodological approaches to measuring pharmaceutical utilization and outline some of the volume-control policies in place across Europe [1].

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