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Sketchy knowledge skeptical attitude towards generic and branded drugs

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Original Article

Author Details : Manju Agrawal, Toshanlal Todar, Rajesh Hishikar, Usha Joshi, Preeti Singh

Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 214-220

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the medical student’s knowledge and attitude towards generic drugs and categorize if a drug is generic or branded from the drug label.
Method: A prospective cross sectional survey was undertaken among 90 final year medical students.17 item questionnaire was developed, validated and administered to assess their knowledge and attitude on generic vs. branded drugs.
Results: In our survey 71% students knew that generic drugs are bioequivalent to branded drugs but only 17.77% knew that generic are manufactured after expiry of patent. 73.33% students were aware that Medical Council of India has made generic prescription mandatory. 88% students were sensitive to the difference in generic vs. branded pricing. However 47% students felt that incentives will increase generic prescription. 50% of the students did not categorize the given sample of drugs either as branded or generic. 100% stressed the need of sensitization programmes at undergraduate level to update them on drug prescription patterns.
Conclusion: Good percentage of students had knowledge about generic medicines. They showed positive attitude towards generic prescription in their future practice and were ready to consume generic drugs themselves when required. Inspite of this fact patients and practitioners still favour branded drugs.

Keywords: Generic drugs; Branded drugs; Prescription; Knowledge; Medical students

How to cite : Agrawal M, Todar T, Hishikar R, Joshi U, Singh P, Sketchy knowledge skeptical attitude towards generic and branded drugs. Indian J Pharm Pharmacol 2016;3(4):214-220

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