Generic drugs: a study on awareness among medical students and interns

Authors

  • Manasa C. R. Department of Pharmacology, BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Kalpana L. Department of Pharmacology, BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Veena R. M. Department of Pharmacology, BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20205126

Keywords:

Generic drugs, Branded drugs, Pradhana Mantri Bharathiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Jan aushadhi sugam app

Abstract

Background: Use of generic drugs and its availability is one of the less discussed topics in the medical education but at the same time holds a lot of importance in providing affordable health care to the general public.

Methods: All 150 II MBBS students and 80 interns who were willing were included in the study. After explaining the aims and objectives and obtaining the informed consent, a set of 14 semi structured questionnaire were given to the students through an online link. A total duration of 15 minutes was given to complete the questionnaire and submit to prevent bias.

Results: Most of the students 98 (75.4%) believe that generic drugs are non-inferior to branded drugs compared to interns 33 (49.3%) who are still doubtful about its efficacy (p=0.0003). Most of the students 101 (77.7%) and interns 52 (77.6%) think that composition, dose and indications are same as branded drugs (p=0.987). 75 (57.7%) students and 25 (37.3%) of interns know that generic medicines are marketed only after the expiry of patent period of innovator drug (p=0.005). About 102 (78.5%) students and 44 (65.7%) interns prefer to prescribe generic drugs to their patients (p=0.061). Only 34 (26.2%) students and few interns 19 (28.4%) knew about jan aushadhi sugam app (p=0.744).

Conclusions: Lack of awareness about the jan aushadhi sugam app and location of nearby generic stores was acting as the main hindrance in optimal utilization of generic drugs.

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Published

2020-11-25

How to Cite

C. R., M., L., K., & R. M., V. (2020). Generic drugs: a study on awareness among medical students and interns. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 9(12), 1877–1882. https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20205126

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Original Research Articles