Views regarding the safety and efficacy of medicines used in children: comparing originators and local generics in Jordan

Abstract

Objectives The present study aimed to explore the views and attitudes of the general public in Jordan towards medicines used in children and the role of the pharmacists in delivering effective and safe treatments to this age group. Methods The public opinion questionnaire was administered using a structured interview technique to a sample of a thousand member of the public. All interviews were conducted in public areas in all the main cities in Jordan. Key findings Almost half (45.8%) of the participants were males. The majority of the participants were parents; 81.4 and 4% had children with health problems. The majority of respondents (82.4%) thought that medicines prescribed for children were effective. This was for both originator medications and local generic medications used in children. Respondents (88.1%) had good confidence in the safety of medicines prescribed to children. The majority of respondents (94.1%) indicated that the pharmacist had an important role in giving advice and information to parents and guardians on medicine use and administration to their children. Conclusions The majority of respondents thought that medicines used in children were effective and safe. It was thought that local generics used in children were as effective as originator medicines. However, almost one-third of respondents thought that local generics were not as safe as originator medicines. Respondents reported high levels of confidence in the pharmacist as an important part of the healthcare team when treating children.