Allergic to generics

Troyen A Brennan ¹, Thomas H Lee

⁰Brigham and Women's Hospital, Partners Community Healthcare, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. tabrennan@partners.org

Annals of Internal Medicine +

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July 21, 2004

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A patient

Area Of Science

Medical Ethics
Pharmacology
Patient Adherence

Background

Discusses a case study involving a 69-year-old woman with multiple health issues.
Highlights patient-physician conflict stemming from insurance requirements for generic medications.

Observation

The patient adamantly believes she is allergic to generic drugs.
This belief leads to non-adherence to prescribed generic medications, even during a health crisis.

Findings

The case presents a critical situation where patient beliefs clash with medical necessity and insurance policies.
Physician faces ethical challenges in managing patient autonomy versus evidence-based treatment and resource allocation.

Implications

Explores the ethical tightrope physicians walk between patient-centered care and broader healthcare system demands.
Underscores the complexities of medication adherence, patient beliefs, and healthcare rationing.

Keywords:

Health Care and Public Health Professional Patient Relationship

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