Physician and patient’s insights towards generic prescribing: The scenario in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Objective To assess the perspectives and perceptions of physicians and patients towards generic prescribing in the United Arab Emirates. Founding those views can help in improving medicines prescription to provide the best cost-effective healthcare services in the country. Methods A cross-sectional study targeted physicians and patients across the United Arab Emirates. Two different questionnaires were conducted in 25 clinics, government healthcare centres and private hospitals. Collected data were analysed by descriptive analysis and Chi-square test. Key findings: Around half of 225 patients, agreed that generic medications have the same efficacy as branded medications. However, 54.7% believes that medications have been on the market longer are safer than newer ones. Majority of patients agreed that physicians’ advice would influence their choice when choosing between a generic and brand medication, though only a third of the participants agreed that the pharmacist’s advice would influence their choice. Of the 100 physicians, a preponderance reported that they actively prescribe generic medications. Moreover, they reported that the patient’s financial status would affect their decision when prescribing medications. Additionally, they identify medical representatives (64%) as their main sources of information regarding generic medications in the UAE. Conclusions The results showed somewhat negative views of physicians and patients towards generics prescriptions. Hence, measures should be taken by the Health Regulatory Authorities to clear up the misconceptions. This could be done by providing valid sources of information and assurance to the public about generic medications.