Physicians say about Generic drugs

There has been a constant confusion regarding the effectuality, price and effects of generics drugs. Most people follow the myth that generics are cheaper versions of branded drugs and can be dangerous which exactly the case isn't. According to physicians there isn't ant difference in the active ingredients of generic and branded drugs. "They share similar merits and debacles.

The U.S physicians accept that they never hesitate in replacing brand-name drugs for generic drugs whenever they feel that it can be more beneficial than brand name drugs.

Price isn't a matter of concern for physicians, the only problem that they have to face is the pressure involved in prescribing generic drugs because they never receive any generic drugs representatives visit which isn't the case for branded drugs. Physicians say that they find their information about generic drugs from health websites and pharmacy benefit managers. 

The results of a survey revealed interesting results, according to the reports 8 out of every 10 physicians support the view that generic drugs for brand-name drugs in number of cases, 17 % physicians agree that such substitutions are appropriate in all cases, and only 5 % says that they never prescribe generic drugs in place of branded drugs.

Physicians feel confident that they know enough about generic bioequivalence to make an informed choice and to discuss the therapeutic value with patients. Those surveyed are less likely to feel confident in talking to their peers about generic bioequivalence.

They also feel pressure from patients, health insurance companies for prescribing generic. Comparing generics and brand names drugs, physicians frankly said that patients frequently pressure them for generics (23 percent) rather than for brand names (8 percent). Two in three physicians frequently feel pressured by health care plans or insurance companies to prescribe generics.

About 84 % physicians says PBM s also creates pressure on them to choose generic drugs for prescription, 7 out of 10 say a PBM has encouraged them to switch to a different brand name.

The needs of patient's also affect the decision to prescribe a brand name drug over a generic drug. Almost 7 in 10 physicians say the need for a narrow therapeutic index influences this decision. Three out of four patients feel that there are certain drugs that can't be substituted even if required.