PSA slams generic warning
July 9, 2012
A TELEVISION report which aired
on Channel Nine in Queensland last
week has raised the ire of the
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
with its claims that the use of
generics may not always be in the
best interests of patients.
Rather than educational, the
report, according to Queensland
President of PSA, Associate Prof Lisa
Nissen, could actually be harmful as
it may dissuade consumers from
taking their medicines, which could
have very negative effects.
“Generic medicines are regulated
in exactly the same way as branded
medicines, and must have the
same active ingredients as their
branded counterparts,” she said.
“The coatings, shape and colour
may differ but the active ingredients
must by law be the same.
“The television report suggested
otherwise which is completely
wrong and could result in some
patients becoming concerned
about the medicines they are
using,” she added.
Nissen went on to support the
use of generics by saying that they
are a part of the Government’s
health-reform agenda and that
“their use is seen as a tool to help
ensure we maintain a viable and
sustainable health system”.
Nissen also moved to allay
consumer concerns, urging patients
that have doubts about generics to
talk to their pharmacist.
“When dispensing generic medicines,
pharmacists and pharmacy staff
should also inform patients about
what they are taking and how it may
differ from what they are already
accustomed to,” Nissen said.
“The emphasis is on informed
consent so the patient is aware of
the medicine they are taking and
how it will help their medicinal
condition,” she said.
“The television report was
disappointing because it paid scant
attention to the health benefits
and improved outcomes to be
gained through the use of generic
medicines,” she added.
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