European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background: Generic drugs have an important place in health care because they are less expensive and mimic the original drug in terms of the active ingredients, dose, dosage form, and bioequivalence.The present study was conducted to assess patient perception about generic vs. branded medicine.
Materials & Methods: 120 patients of both genders were provided with a questionnaire was designedwhich comprised of knowledge about difference between generic and branded medicines, attitude for buying generic medicines over branded medicines and practice of taking generic medicines.
Results: Out of 120 patients, males were 55 and females were 65.71% have heard about generic medicine, 65% knew that there is price difference between generic and branded medicine, 68% prefer buying generic medicines over branded medicines, 30% have ever asked their doctor to prescribe generic medicines, 32% have demanded chemist to give generic medicines in place of branded medicines, 64% knew there a difference in the quality of generic medicine and branded variant, 61% knew that there a difference in the price of generic and branded medicines, the type of medicines doctors prefer to prescribe was generic medicines in 26% and branded medicinesin 74%, the drug chemist prefer to sell was generic medicines in 22% and branded medicinesin 78%, generic medicines in 80% and branded medicines in 20% were prescribed in this hospital, Indian government promote generic medicines in 45% and branded medicines in 55%, 32% were aware of any government rules regarding generic or branded medicines. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude about generic medicines among participants were poor.