Discovery Health, South Africa's largest medical scheme, recently did a survey on how its members use generics. Over 80% of Discovery Health members believe that generic medicines are as effective as non-generics. But only 45% usually ask for generic medications.
The majority of members also thought that generic medicines are cheaper than branded equivalents.
A generic medicine contains the same active medicinal substance as brand name pharmaceutical products.
Because it acts in the same way in the human body, it is interchangeable and as effective as the originator product. Typically, generic medicines are launched when the originator products patent has expired.
Dr Jonathan Broomberg, Head of Strategy and Health Policy at Discovery Health which conducted the snap-survey, said it was encouraging that over 80% of those surveyed believed that generic medicines are as effective and safe as the branded originals.
"Our survey compares favourably with the American Excellus Survey of Consumer Attitudes toward Generic Drugs published in March 2007. That showed that 90% of Americans believe that generics are safe to use and 84% said that they were as effective as the originals."
However, when it came to asking for generics, South African medical scheme members were a little more reluctant than their more cost-conscious American counterparts. While 55% of Americans regularly ask for generics, only 45% of Discovery Health members in SA did the same.
"Generic medicines must comply with exactly the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as all medicinal products. Generic medicines are increasingly used by general practitioners, specialists and hospitals as an equally effective, but cheaper alternative to higher-priced branded pharmaceuticals.
"South Africans should ask for generics more often as they are likely to save a great deal of money over the long term. Generic medicines are usually at least 20% cheaper than originals."
Broomberg noted that according to research, 78% of South African doctors and pharmacists recommend generics to patients.
"It is a positive finding that more doctors and pharmacists are prescribing and advising cost-effective alternatives to their patients."
"Discovery is working closely with GPs and specialists to achieve cost savings in the use of medicine and in other areas, in order to allow for higher remuneration to doctors in a sustainable fashion. Increased use of generics, where appropriate, is a key part of that strategy".
Just like branded originals, once a generic medicine is sold on the market, it must be monitored by the manufacturer in case any adverse reactions are reported.
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