[Patients' experiences with and attitudes to generic substitution]

The aim of this study was to assess patient experiences with and attitudes to generic substitution.

Patients who had purchased three to seven, or eight or more, different prescription medicines during the last six months were compared. Both groups were mailed a questionnaire about generic substitution.

The response rate was 73% (281/386), the average age of respondents was 66. There was a correlation between patients remembering that information had been provided by their physicians and subsequent generic substitution. Out of 138 patients who had experienced generic substitution, 50 patients (36%) reported one or more negative experiences, 21% an altogether negative experience. About 41% of the patients would not switch given no personal economic insertives. There were no significant correlations between experiences with generic substitution and age, gender, number of different drugs used, information provided by the physician or by the pharmacy staff.

About 78% of the patients are satisfied with generic substitution although 1/3 report one or more negative experiences. In order to raise patient satisfaction, there is a need for increased economic incentives and a strategy whereby physicians, pharmacies and official authorities cooperate on information to the public.