Objective: To keep medical costs down, it is important to promote the use of generic drugs at pharmacies, where prescription volumes are high. However, many parents do not opt for generic drugs. This study examines the effectiveness of pharmacists’ explanations to parents, with the aim of promoting the use of generic drugs among young patients under the age of 20.
Method: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2019, at 129 pharmacies.
Results: During the survey period, 91 pharmacies received 4,491 prescriptions from young patients. The percentage of generic drugs dispensed per prescription was lower for the young patients than for adult patients (65.4% vs. 70.4%; p < 0.001). Statistically, the percentage of prescriptions dispensed using generic drugs was higher in pharmacies that explained costs, equivalence of quality and efficacy, safety, side effects, and the trial system (divided dispensing), compared to pharmacies that did not use these explanations. Conversely, the percentage of prescriptions dispensed using generic drugs was lower at pharmacies that explained dosage form and ease of swallowing. Many pharmacies explained the equivalence of quality and efficacy (85.7%), with many questions from parents (82.4%). However, only a few pharmacies explained the trial system (divided dispensing) (1.1%), with no questions raised by parents (0.0%).
Conclusion: This study found that pharmacists’ explanations are effective in promoting the use generic drugs for young patients. However, there is a lack of awareness among parents about the trial system (divided dispensing), and public institutions and pharmacists are not responding appropriately. To promote generic drug usage among young patients, it is important to develop educational tools regarding the trial system (divided dispensing), create awareness campaigns for parents, and revise medical fee. Furthermore, to ensure safe drug therapy, pharmacists should also provide information on the appearance and taste of generic drugs.
