What is it about?
Survey of representative sample of the population of Latvia (n = 1005) aged 18–74 was conducted in March 2015. The survey was distributed in Latvian and Russian languages using Computer Assisted Web Interviews. 72.3% of the population were informed about generic medicines. Men (66.9%) and respondents with primary or secondary education (58.3%; 69.3%) were less informed compared to total (72.3%). From those who recalled using generic medicines (n = 441), 94.4% evaluated their experience as positive or neutral. Despite this, only 21% of the population would opt for generic medicines. The strongest preference for brand-name medicines was in the age group > 55 (40.5%). Opinion of a physician was the most important factor when choosing between generic and brand-name medicines (88.7%). The more positive the information provided by general practitioners, physician specialists, pharmacists, family members, friends and internet is perceived, the more likely respondents are to choose generic medicines (p < 0.001).
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Why is it important?
Although the majority of people in Latvia are informed about the existence of GM, and most of the users of GM rate their experience as positive, only about one fifth of the population would opt for GM. Certain groups like men, people with nationalities other than Latvian, people with primary and secondary education and elderly people were less aware or willing to use GM compared to other society members. This is a worrisome fact showing that there is a need to reconsider information that consumers receive from different information sources about GM. Choice of GM instead of usually more expensive brand-name medicines is particularly important in Latvia where a large part of the population lack access to medicines. As people in Latvia trust physicians and pharmacists in their choice between medicines, it is important that they provide objective and unbiased information about GM, as well as promote their use.
Perspectives
This study demonstrates that people in Latvia are aware of generic medicines but only a minority of the population would choose them when presented with a choice. It is therefore important that health care professionals provide objective and unbiased information about generic medicines to their patients. Interventions should aim to reach groups that are less informed and to improve providers’ understanding and communication with patients about generics.
Dr Signe Mezinska
University of Latvia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Use of generic medicines in Latvia: awareness, opinions and experiences of the population, Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, January 2019, Springer Science + Business Media,
DOI: 10.1186/s40545-018-0159-5.
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