NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Safe and appropriate use of generic medicines

A kit for training community pharmacy assistants

NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

Safe and appropriate use of generic medicines

A kit for training community pharmacy assistants

This PowerPoint presentation and accompanying article have been developed by the National Prescribing Service Limited in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

This information was previously published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, as part of its Pharmacy Self Care program, in December 2007. The information was included in a special edition of inPHARMation and an accompanying pharmacy training storyboard, Communicating with consumers.

Learning objectives

In relation to generic medicines

• Understand it’s the consumer’s choice• Be able to respond to common questions from consumers• Be able to assist pharmacists with receiving prescriptions and

handing out medicines to consumers

In relation to brand switching

• Appreciate when it may be inappropriate• Be familiar with the pharmacy’s policy• Be aware of strategies that minimise consumer confusion

Generic medicines

• Same active ingredient as the original brand of medicine

• Made by the company who made the original brand, or made by a different company

• Meet the same high Australian standards as the original brand

• May differ from the original brand in colour, shape, size and/or taste

• May be less expensive than the original brand

Generic medicines and brand switching

Only generic brands which are proven to be bioequivalent are interchangeable with the original brand

Benefits of using generic medicines

• Consumers – potential cost savings

• Community – improves the value for money spent on health care

• Pharmacies – better stock and financial management as managers can rationalise the number of brands stocked

Brand switching is the consumer’s choice

• Brand switching cannot occur without the consumer’s consent

• Be mindful of why some consumers may choose not to switch brands

• Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants can help consumers by providing information

When is brand switching not appropriate?

• Generic brand is not bioequivalent to the original brand

• Prescriber has indicated brand switching is not allowed

• Medicines with a narrow margin between effective and toxic doses

• Consumers with an allergy to one of the non-medicinal components

• Consumers who may be easily confused

Pharmacy brand switching policy

Pharmacies must have a brand switching policy that covers

• When and how brand switching is offered

• Obtaining consumers’ consent

• Recording consumers’ preferences for brand switching

• Offering consistent brands

• Minimising the impact of switching on consumers on long-term therapy

• Responding to brand switching requests contrary to prescribers’ wishes

Medicine confusion and misadventures

Some consumers may become confused about their medicines because

• The same medicine has different brand names and appearances• They are not aware of medication changes• They are discharged from hospital with a different brand of the same

medication

Strategies to avoid confusion

• Supply the same brand consistently• Use the reminder label “This medicine replaces ..... Do not use both”• Emphasise the active ingredient name• Include the reason for using the medicine• Offer a Medicines List• Offer dose administration aid• Encourage use of the same pharmacy

Frequently asked questions

• What are generic medicines?

• What is the difference?

• Are they the same?

• Will they be just as effective?

• Why are they cheaper?

• How much money will I save?

Prescriptions that allow brand switching

Is the ‘brand substitution not permitted’ box on the prescription ticked? NO

Are they happy withthe brand they weredispensed last time?

Pharmacist to dispensepreferred brand OR

if unavailable orinappropriate, pharmacist

to explain to consumer

Pharmacist to dispensethe brand dispensed

last time

Is there a preferredbrand?

Would they prefer ageneric brand?

Pharmacist to dispenseanother brand ORif unavailable or

inappropriate, pharmacistto explain to consumer

Pharmacist to dispensegeneric brand ORif unavailable or

inappropriate, pharmacistto explain to consumer

Pharmacist to dispensebrand stated on the

prescription

Has the consumer hadthe medicine before?

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

NONO

NO

Prescriptions that don’t allow brand switching

Is the ‘brand substitution not permitted’ box on the prescription ticked? YES

Did the consumerrequest a generic brand

of medicine?

Pharmacist to explainsituation/contact

prescriber

Don’t offer ageneric brand

Pharmacist to dispenseas per prescription

YES NO

Supplying dispensed medicines to consumers

New prescriptions

• Pharmacist should counsel consumers and provide a Consumer Medicine Information leaflet

Repeat prescriptions

• Show the medicine and check if the consumer is familiar with the brand supplied

• Ensure the consumer can find the name of the active ingredient on the medicine package

• If applicable, check that the consumer is aware of the product that it replaces

• Ask if the consumer has a Medicines List and request the pharmacist to update the list if required