Generic drugs to save State millions

Evelyn Ring

APMI chairman, Rory O’Riordan, said there was a wide range of “branded generic” drugs available costing around 25% less than “branded originals” that could be prescribed within the State’s community drug schemes without any deterioration in patient care. He said that statin drugs used to reduce cholesterol now cost the Government over 130 million per annum.

“We have calculated that if the prescription of branded generics in this class was increased by 40%, it could save as much as E15 million,” said Mr O’Riordan.