Objective:
To explore the consumers’ perceptions and knowledge towards issues
surrounding generic medicines utilization in Penang, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted with consumers
who attended the annual University open day. Using convenience
sampling, survey forms were distributed to the respective consumers
via the help of a group of trained 1st year pharmacy students.
For a period of 5 days, 400 respondents had participated in the
survey. Analysis of the response from the collected forms yielded
in 396 usable forms.
Results: Only 28.3% (n=112) of the respondents were familiar with
the term “generic medicines”. More than 70% of the respondents
do not know that generic medicines can be marketed under different
names. About 34% (n=38) of consumers stated that they had been
given information regarding generics by their pharmacists. In
terms of side effects, about 32% (n=127) of the respondents felt
that generic medicines may cause more side effects than branded
medicines. Majority of the consumers surveyed (64%) understand
that generic cost less compared to their branded counterparts.
Conclusion: This survey showed that there is a gap in consumers’
knowledge and understanding about generic medicines. The findings
also suggest that direct patient education by the healthcare providers
on issues relating to safety and efficacy of generic medicines
could further enhance their uptake.
