The study calculated the potential cost savings that could have been generated by maximum generic substitution of antidepressants within the private healthcare sector of South Africa from 2004–2006.

Data on computerised medicine claims of patients receiving antidepressants was obtained from a South African pharmaceutical benefit management company, which included 292,071 items on 273,673 prescriptions.

During the study period, generic medicines constituted 58.7% of all antidepressants claimed, at only 28.2% of the total costs.

The researchers calculated that, with total substitution of the average price of all branded medicines, a potential saving of 9.3% of the actual antidepressant cost over the study period could have been made.

They concluded that in developing countries with limited healthcare resources, generic medicines can be cost-saving treatment alternatives.

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Reference

van der Westhuizen E, Burger JR, Lubbe MS, Serfontein JH. Further potential savings attributable to maximum generic substitution of antidepressants in South Africa: A retrospective analysis of medical claims. Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. 2010;15(1):1-5.