The objective of this review was to report the outcomes of a systematic search for peer-reviewed, published studies that focus on physician, pharmacist and patient/consumer perspectives of generics [1].

Following review of titles and abstracts to identify publications relevant to the scope, 16 papers on physician opinions, 11 papers on pharmacist opinions and 31 papers on patient/consumer opinions were included in the review. Quantitative studies (n = 37) were the most common approach adopted by researchers, generally in the form of self-administered questionnaires/surveys. Qualitative methodologies (n = 15) were also reported, albeit in fewer cases.

This first review to include the views of all three of the main stakeholders in generics usage indicates that, in all three cohorts, opinions of generics were seen to have improved in recent years, but some mistrust remains. This was most evident in the patient group, where there appears to be a strongly held belief that less expensive equals lower quality. The patient cohort also expressed the greatest preference for brand-name rather than generic medications.

The physician group shows some level of lack of confidence, although not to the same extent as consumers; and pharmacists exhibit the greatest degree of positive opinion, and acceptance, of generics.

While many misconceptions are held within the patient group, a disturbing association was observed in the literature regarding patient belief that generic and falsified (that is, counterfeit) medicines are the same. Given that generics are fully authorized, off-patent versions of brand-name medications, and very different from falsified medicines, this indicates that any educational interventions focussed on this cohort need to include at least some information that explains the difference between generic and falsified medicines, in order to remove this falsely held belief as a source of mistrust of generics.

Acceptance of generics appears to be higher in consumers with higher levels of education while patients from lower socio-economic demographic groups, hence generally having lower levels of education, tend to have greater mistrust of generics.

In conclusion, therefore, a key factor in improving confidence in generics is the provision of information and education, particularly in the areas of equivalency, regulation and dispelling myths about generics such as the belief that they are counterfeits. Further, as patients’ trust in their physician often overrules their personal mistrust of generics, enhancing the opinions of physicians regarding generics may have particular importance in strategies to promote usage and acceptance of generics in the future.

Conflict of Interest
The authors of the research paper [1] declared that there were no conflicts of interest.

Abstracted by Suzanne S Dunne, PhD, Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity (4i), Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Ireland.

Editor’s comment
Readers interested to learn more about perceptions and attitudes towards generics are invited to visit www.gabi-journal.net to view the following manuscripts published in GaBI Journal:

Perceptions of physicians from private medical centres in Malaysia about generic medicine usage: a qualitative study

Challenges to generic medicines utilization in Yemeni healthcare system

Readers interested in contributing a research or perspective paper to GaBI Journal – an independent, peer reviewed academic journal – please send us your submission here.

Related articles
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Patient perceptions of generics in Ireland

Irish pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes towards generics

Reference
1. Dunne SS, Dunne CP. What do people really think of generic medicines? A systematic review and critical appraisal of literature on stakeholder perceptions of generic drugs. BMC Med. 2015;13:173.

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