Why we need generic medicines

Thirty-three years ago, in 1988, the Generics Law was passed to provide Filipinos with cheaper medicines. Botika ng Bayan and Botika ng Barangay were set up, but unlike in the US where generic drugs are chosen more than 90 percent of the time, Filipinos were suspicious of no-name brands, thinking they were going to be less effective.

It took a long time before Filipinos started warming up to the idea of—and understanding—generic drugs. Without the marketing of big pharmaceutical companies, generic drugs became the medicines of last resort (even when they were cheaper by as much as 90 percent) until little by little, small, private local drugstores carried them—some even building an entire business carrying just generic brands.

The Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration also tried their best to explain to Filipinos—especially to the segment that would benefit most from purchasing cheaper medicines—that they apply the same standards of strict regulations and rigorous screening that they do to branded medicines.

Earworm campaign jingles, led by celebrities asking for generic brands, have also wormed themselves into the consciousness of the Filipino, which has helped usher in a noticeable shift in the attitude and perspective of Pinoy consumers. But are we at the level of other developed countries like the US where generics are the first choice, rather than a last resort?

It will take some time, with many Filipinos believing that branded is always better. Informative drive from the government, as well as the health sector, will help in educating more Filipinos about the safety and efficacy of generic medicines.

As more information reaches many ordinary consumers, here are some tips to remember when buying generic medicine.

1.

Engage with store personnel and pharmacists, as you do in stores that sell branded medicines. Ask them to counsel you, and check if they provide additional services.

2.

Check if the store you are buying from is air-conditioned. Medicines can get affected by the temperature, and the efficacy of some medicines can be affected by humidity.

3.

Check the legitimacy of the store by making sure they follow strict protocols. If you are buying medicines that are prescription only, and they dispense them to you without a prescription, be worried, especially if they freely sell antibiotics just as health professionals all over the world worry about their overuse, limiting their efficacy.