Generic meds could save SA millions

[schumi]

Johannesburg - The word ‘generic’ may seem less appealing than the phrase “original brand”. However, if you’re ill, choosing generic medication over the original will save you money.

South Africans often prefer branded medicine over generics, but the latest research from Mediscor shows that this is slowly changing, albeit not quickly enough.

The research shows that last year about one in five prescriptions for patients who belonged to a medical aid favoured branded medication, although generic equivalents were available – this is costing the South African economy billions of rands a year.

Branded medication

Erik Roos, the chief executive of Pharma Dynamics, one of the leading generic medicine producers in South Africa, says the company estimates that the country could save millions by substituting branded medication with generics in the treatment of patients who suffer from hypertension.

The Human Sciences Research Council of SA estimates that more than 6 million people suffer from high blood pressure in this country.

“Generic hypertension medication is, on average, 44% cheaper than branded medication, while a further 79% can be shaven off the price of branded antidepressants if a generic alternative is used,” said Roos.

“Failing to substitute with a generic means that many patients are paying more than R350 for a product that could be costing them in the region of R75.”

According to the Mediscor research, the use of generics has steadily risen to 56.3% in the past five years, with HIV and cancer treatments injecting the major boost. More than 90% of HIV-positive people on treatment are taking generic antiretroviral drugs and 86% of cancer patients also use generics.

More at: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/generic-meds-could-save-sa-millions-20170506

 

[bwana]

South Africans often prefer branded medicine over generics

Really? That's bizarre. Pill snobs.

one in five prescriptions for patients who belonged to a medical aid favoured branded medication

Ah, ok. Someone else is paying, even though that really isn't the case.

 

[Kornhub]

I take generic antidepressants

 

[TheMightyQuin]

Companies even make their own generic versions of their own medicine. So they make money across the board. Few people know this and think generic is of lower standard, but it often is exactly the same medicine from the same company.

 

[DA-LION-619]

How is the country saving money if it's private healthcare.

 

[daveza]

Except when the generic is not as effective.

 

[TheMightyQuin]

Except when the generic is not as effective.

Cannot be labelled as the generic version if it does not contain the exact same ingredients and dosage.

All generic versions of medicine has the exact same effect as the "original"...just not on your wallet.

 

[maumau]

Cannot be labelled as the generic version if it does not contain the exact same ingredients and dosage.

All generic versions of medicine has the exact same effect as the "original"...just not on your wallet.

Cant speak for medicines but with cosmetics this isn't the case. Same ingredients but cheaper brands are sometimes not as effective. One of the reasons has something to do with molecule size.

Often both ranges are manufactured by the same house.

 

[daveza]

Cannot be labelled as the generic version if it does not contain the exact same ingredients and dosage.

All generic versions of medicine has the exact same effect as the "original"

If you're on Ritalin and try the generic you will discover that is just not the case.


http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20141114/two-generic-versions-of-adhd-drug-not-as-effective-fda

http://addadhdblog.com/adhd-medicat...ing_wp_cron=1494177489.0275590419769287109375

Pfizer make Viagra and also make the generic Avigra - the latter is not as effective ( but a schyteload cheaper ).