Biomedical Research

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +44-7360-538437

Research Article - Biomedical Research (2015) Volume 26, Issue 4

Knowledge and perception of Community Pharmacists towards generic medicines in Saudi Arabia

Aim: To evaluate the Saudi Community Pharmacists’ knowledge and perception towards generic medicines.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a self-completed paper-based survey with sample size (450) was conducted among a random sample of community pharmacists in central Saudi Arabia (SA). Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS; version 22.0 both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were applied.

Results: Responses were obtained from 365 pharmacies (response rate, 81.1%). About 80.0% of the community pharmacists agreed that all products that are approved as generic equivalents can be considered therapeutically equivalent with the innovator medicines. More than 72.2% of respondents believed that a generic medicine must be in same dose form and dose as brand name medicine. Only 51.3% thought that generic medicines have more side effect than brand name medicines. Nearly, two- third (62.5%) trusted that brand name medicines are required to meet higher safety standards than generic medicines.

Conclusion: The Saudi community pharmacists’ have lack of information and/or trust in the generic medicines. An educational program among pharmacists and relevant government agencies should be implemented. Additionally, national generic medicine policies and guidelines are warranted in SA.

Author(s): Syed Wajid, Mohamed N Al-Arifi, Hamad A Al Nomay, Yazeed N Al Mousa, Salmeen D Babelghaith

Abstract PDF

Get the App