E-drug: Generic drugs in Mexico (5)
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For your information in Denmark there used to be a system whereby
prescribers had to put a G for generic substitution as a message to the
pharmacist. With this system there was approximately 5% generic
substitution.
Regulations were changed in such a way that the pharmacist would
substitute with the cheapest generic unless the prescriber had indicated
that a specific brand had to be dispensed. The new system now has a
generic substitution proportion of 95%!!!
There has been a fierce resistance from prescribers but very little
substance in their arguments.
One of the arguments is that old people will not be able to handle their
medication if pills change colour and appearance. This can, of cause, be
dealt with by giving proper instruction and information to the old
people (doctor and pharmacist).
I think, as previously communicated to this list, that the list should
try to collect information on this issue from as many countries as
possible and then publish the result on the list. This way the list
could become an authoritative source of information.
Thank you for your attention.
Ole Frank
Email: olefrank@inet.uni2.dk
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