Abstract
This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties and patient preferences for brand-name and generic heparinoid ointments, which have recently seen increased usage due to Japan’s selective healthcare reimbursement policy. Physicians were surveyed regarding patient preferences between brand and generic formulations and their rheological properties, such as viscosity and elasticity, were evaluated using rotational rheometry. Over 50% of the patients consulted physicians regarding formulation preferences, mainly due to usability. Rheological testing showed that while all products exhibited shear-thinning and gel-like behavior, the brand-name formulation had higher viscosity, broader linear viscoelastic range, and greater structural stability than the generics. Notably, the absence of white beeswax may contribute to its different rheological profile. These findings suggest that minor differences in excipients can affect patient-perceived comfort, influencing adherence and therapeutic satisfaction. Although generic formulations are approved based on pharmaceutical equivalence, their usability may vary, highlighting the importance of including sensory attributes in clinical decision-making. Pharmacists and healthcare providers should proactively communicate formulation-specific characteristics to patients to support informed choices. This patient-centered approach can improve treatment continuity and outcomes. Future studies should quantitatively link rheological properties to patient preferences to guide the development of optimized topical therapies.
