Generic medicines are an equal choice
Generic medicines are an equal choice is the message National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) will promote commencing this week (16 September).
The message is the second stage of NPS’ ‘Get to know your medicines’ national awareness campaign, which commenced on 6 August.
The campaign aims to increase consumer and health professional confidence in using generic medicines, given research shows that 91% of consumers are aware of generic medicines and of those up to 79% would probably or definitely consider using generic prescription medicines in the future.
However, consumers are not sure how they can tell if a generic medicine is equivalent to a brand name medicine, if it is wise to switch, and 34% of consumer respondents would not use a generic medicine because their doctor did not recommend it.
NPS’ chief executive officer, Dr Lynn Weekes said “Generic medicines are an equal choice in that they contain the same active ingredient as the original brand of medicine.”