Table 2 Knowledge about generic medicines
Item description | n (%) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strongly disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Strongly agree | |
A generic medicine is bioequivalent to a brand name medicine. | 2 (0.8) | 46 (17.5) | 80 (30.4) | 130 (49.4) | 5 (1.9) |
A generic medicine must be in the same dosage form (e.g. tablet, capsule) as the brand name medicine. | 0 (0.0) | 30 (11.4) | 47 (17.9) | 146 (55.5) | 40 (15.2) |
A generic medicine must contain the same dose as the brand name medicine. | 0 (0.0) | 16 (6.1) | 26 (9.9) | 159 (60.5) | 62 (23.6) |
Generic medicines are less effective compared to brand name medicines. (r) | 6 (2.3) | 49 (18.6) | 72 (27.4) | 93 (35.4) | 43 (16.3) |
Generic medicines produce more side effects compared to brand name medicines. (r) | 8 (3.0) | 103 (39.2) | 100 (38.0) | 45 (17.1) | 7 (2.7) |
Brand name medicines are required to meet higher standards than generic medicines. (r) | 5 (1.9) | 31 (11.8) | 32 (12.2) | 137 (52.1) | 58 (22.1) |
There are too many generic brands available. | 0 (0.0) | 15 (5.7) | 35 (13.3) | 154 (58.6) | 59 (22.4) |
Generics are cheaper for patients than original brands. | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) | 7 (2.7) | 123 (46.8) | 133 (50.6) |
It is easier to remember brand names, rather than generic drug names. | 3 (1.1) | 39 (14.8) | 39 (14.8) | 139 (52.9) | 43 (16.3) |
Patients prefer original brands, they get confused with generics. (r) | 1 (0.4) | 42 (16.0) | 54 (20.5) | 143 (54.4) | 23 (8.7) |
Pharmacists should dispense generic brands, if patient agrees. | 21 (8.0) | 76 (28.9) | 68 (25.9) | 91 (34.6) | 7 (2.7) |