23 October 2007

Dr Lynn Weekes, CEO of National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) says the reluctance some people have about using generic medicines for certain conditions is unwarranted.

NPS quoted the Stancombe research which shows that 40% of patients are reluctant to use generic medicines for sensitive body parts such as severe conditions affecting the eyes and brain and 23% of parents are reluctant to use generic medicines for their children.

The same studies show 34% of patients will not use a generic medicine if their doctor did not recommend it, though up to 79% of people would consider using generic prescription medicines in the future.

Dr Weekes said these concerns are unwarranted because generic medicines are bioequivalent.

She said the figures again highlight the important role played by doctors and pharmacists in quality use of medicines (QUM).

“Access to medicines and confidence in their use are important QUM considerations. In some cases, and where one is available, a less expensive generic alternative may make medicines more accessible, especially for people who are taking multiple medications.

“It’s important that patients are assured about their medicines choices, whether this is to use anoriginal medicine or a generic equivalent,” Dr Weekes said.

“The use of generic medicines must benefit the consumer without placing him/her at increased risk of medicine misadventure, and only medicines that have been proven to be bioequivalent can be switched one for another,” Dr Weekes said.

NPS encourages patients to get to know their medicines, including the name of the active ingredient. NPS asks doctors and pharmacists to point out the name of the active ingredient, including where to find it on the label to help avoid confusion.

The Generic medicines are an equal choice campaign aims to ensure doctors, pharmacists and consumers have confidence in using generic medicines where it is safe and appropriate to do so. Part of this is to help consumers to make informed choices.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.