Exploring community pharmacists’ and drug retailers’ knowledge and perception regarding generic medicine in Dharan, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: The use of generic medicine still remains very low in Nepal as compared to other developed nations. Knowledge and perception of generic medicines among community pharmacists and drug retailers play a vital role in the promotion and use of such drugs as they are assured about their quality, safety and efficacy. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and perception of generic medicines among the community pharmacists in Nepal.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in Dharan city from 1st January 2019 to 28th February 2019. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the relevant data which consisted of sociodemographic data, questions on knowledge and perception of generic medicine having a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were calculated using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 25.0).

Results: Out of 77 participants, 58.4% were male and 42.9% belonged to the age group of 20-30 years. About 83% of participants agreed that generic medicines are a copy of original brand name medicines. Seventy-eight percent of participants also agreed that generic medicines are interchangeable with branded medicines. About 72% of participants believed that generic medicines produce more side effects compared to brand-name medicines. About 50% of participants did not believe that the quality of brand name medicines is required to meet higher safety standards than generic medicines. Out of 77 participants, 87% opined that they need a standard guideline for both prescriber and pharmacist on the brand substitution process.

Conclusion: The present study showed that most of the community pharmacists had adequate knowledge and positive perception about generic medicine. Pharmacists need to be continuously educated about generic medicine which ultimately leads to its promotion. The study findings would assist policymakers and stakeholders to implement and strengthen the policy regarding the promotion of generic medicines.