A pilot survey on perceptions and knowledge of generic medicines among consumers in Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the consumers’ perceptions and knowledge towards issues surrounding generic medicines utilization in Penang, Malaysia.MethodsA cross sectional survey was conducted with consumers who attended the annual University open day. Using convenience sampling, survey forms were distributed to the respective consumers via the help of a group of trained 1st year pharmacy students. For a period of 5 days, 400 respondents had participated in the survey. Analysis of the response from the collected forms yielded in 396 usable forms.ResultsOnly 28.3% (n=112) of the respondents were familiar with the term “generic medicines”. More than 70% of the respondents do not know that generic medicines can be marketed under different names. About 34% (n=38) of consumers stated that they had been given information regarding generics by their pharmacists. In terms of side effects, about 32% (n=127) of the respondents felt that generic medicines may cause more side effects than branded medicines. Majority of the consumers surveyed (64%) understand that generic cost less compared to their branded counterparts.ConclusionThis survey showed that there is a gap in consumers’ knowledge and understanding about generic medicines. The findings also suggest that direct patient education by the healthcare providers on issues relating to safety and efficacy of generic medicines could further enhance their uptake.

Consumer Choice Between Common Generic and Brand Medicines in a Country with a Small Generic Market

“…(2008). 28 When consumers believe that the effectiveness of generic medicines is less than their original brand equivalents, they are less likely to accept generic medicines or generic substitution. 19,27,29 Additionally, older consumers and those with lower levels of education are less likely to accept generic substitution.…”

Knowledge and perception about generic drugs in patients coming to OPD of tertiary care centre

“…14 The majority of consumers learn about generic medicine from a physician, and this medical advice is critical to consumer's decision to take generic medicine. 15 In present study, majority of participants did not know about generic medicine and its implications, nor clinicians prescribe generic medicines. Generic medicines are cheaper alternative of innovator product and clinicians were not fully convinced that generic medicines are equivalent to branded ones, which can be reason for this negative response.…”

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice on Consumption of Expired Pharmaceuticals: A Cross-Sectional Study at Karachi, Pakistan

“…Earlier, it was reported that the assessment of awareness level is always a preferable marker to judge the community's knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the safe utilization of drugs, which generally represents public decision to seek the healthcare facilities, and use of medicines, and finally the success of treatments (Al-Gedadi et al, 2008;Shah et al, 2011). Furthermore, efficacy of medicines is very significant term because it defines the tendency of any medicine to produce the required effect.…”

“…The expiry date for pharmaceuticals is the point in time when a product is no longer within an acceptable condition to be considered effective as well as safe for health of consumers (Al-Gedadi et al, 2008;Shah et al, 2011). Depending on the product, the expiry date may be set as a fixed time after .…”