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A survey exploring knowledge and perceptions of general practitioners towards the use of generic medicines in the northern state of Malaysia

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  • Chua, Gin Nie
  • Hassali, Mohamed Azmi
  • Shafie, Asrul Akmal
  • Awaisu, Ahmed

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and perceptions towards generic medicines in a northern state of Malaysia.Method A postal cross-sectional survey involving registered GPs in Penang, Malaysia was undertaken. A 23-item questionnaire was developed, validated and administered on the GPs. Eighty-seven GPs responded to the survey (response rate 26.8%).Results The majority of the respondents (85.1%) claimed that they actively prescribed generic medicines in their practice. On the other hand, only 4.6% of the respondents correctly identified the Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau's bioequivalence standard for generic products. There were misconceptions among the respondents about the concepts of "bioequivalence", "efficacy", "safety", and "manufacturing standards" of generic medicines. GPs in this survey believed that a standard guideline on brand substitution process, collaboration with pharmacists, patient education and information on safety and efficacy of generic medicines were necessary to ensure quality use of generics. Furthermore, advertisements and product bonuses offered by pharmaceutical companies, patient's socio-economic factors as well as credibility of manufacturers were factors reported to influence their choice of medicine.Conclusion Although it appeared that GPs have largely accepted the use of generic medicines, they still have concerns regarding the reliability and quality of such products. GPs need to be educated and reassured about generic products approval system in Malaysia concerning bioequivalence, quality, and safety. The current findings have important implications in establishing generic medicines policy in Malaysia.

Suggested Citation

  • Chua, Gin Nie & Hassali, Mohamed Azmi & Shafie, Asrul Akmal & Awaisu, Ahmed, 2010. "A survey exploring knowledge and perceptions of general practitioners towards the use of generic medicines in the northern state of Malaysia," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(2-3), pages 229-235, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:95:y:2010:i:2-3:p:229-235
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    2. Hassali, Mohamed Azmi & Wong, Zhi Yen & Alrasheedy, Alian A. & Saleem, Fahad & Mohamad Yahaya, Abdul Haniff & Aljadhey, Hisham, 2014. "Perspectives of physicians practicing in low and middle income countries towards generic medicines: A narrative review," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(3), pages 297-310.
    3. Fabiano, Valentina & Mameli, Chiara & Cattaneo, Dario & Delle Fave, Antonella & Preziosa, Alessandra & Mele, Giuseppe & Clementi, Emilio & Zuccotti, Gian Vincenzo, 2012. "Perceptions and patterns of use of generic drugs among Italian Family Pediatricians: First round results of a web survey," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(3), pages 247-252.
    4. Alkhuzaee, Fahad S. & Almalki, Hamdan M. & Attar, Ammar Y. & Althubiani, Shoeab I. & Almuallim, Wassam Ali & Cheema, Ejaz & Hadi, Muhammad Abdul, 2016. "Evaluating community pharmacists’ perspectives and practices concerning generic medicines substitution in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(12), pages 1412-1419.
    5. Else-Lydia Toverud & Katrin Hartmann & Helle Håkonsen, 2015. "A Systematic Review of Physicians’ and Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Generic Drug Use: What are the Global Challenges?," Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 35-45, August.

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