Survey: 94% favour generic medicines

Up to 94% of people are in favour of using more generic medicines to keep costs down, according to a survey by Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland.

It also shows that a third of medical card holders are not using generic brand medicines and pharmacists are "three times more likely to recommend generic medicines than doctors".

The survey measured attitudes on the cost of medicines, the use of generic alternatives and Government efforts to achieve savings while comparing findings to a similar survey conducted in 2009.

The 67% of adults using generic medicines is an increase of 35% on 2009 findings, with a majority (54%) of those surveyed citing cost as the dominant reason for switching to generics.

The survey also found that 91% believe generics are as safe and effective of the more expensive branded alternatives.

It also found that people 65 years or older, and non-medical card holders, are more likely to use generic medicines than people aged under 34 and medical card holders.

Ms Sandra Gannon, General Manager, Teva Ireland said: "What stands out from this survey is that consumers are increasingly aware of generic medicines, are confident of the safety and enhanced affordability offered by generics, and want a wider availability of generic alternatives.

"This survey also makes it clear that Government, the industry and medical professionals must do more to meet consumer demand.

"Implementation of published legislation giving more dispensing powers to pharmacists is still to be enacted."