Reluctance to use generics unwarranted: NPS

The organisation said pharmacists and doctors should point out the name of a medicine’s active ingredient to consumers, including where to find it on the label, to help avoid confusion.

According to Dr Lynn Weeks, CEO of NPS, research shows 40 per cent of patients are reluctant to use generic medicines for sensitive body parts such as severe conditions affecting the eyes and brain and 23 per cent of parents are reluctant to use generic medicines for their children.

The same studies show 34 per cent of patients will not use a generic medicine if their doctor did not recommend it, though up to 79 per cent 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).

"It’s important that patients are assured about their medicines choices, whether this is to use an original 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."
 
The NPS has issued the call as part of its "Generic medicines are an equal choice" campaign.