ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the perception and concerns physicians and pharmacists have about generic drugs on three annual drug price lists in Trinidad.

Method: Windows® Excel 2007 and Minitab® version 17 examined the price lists and a selfadministered questionnaire was used to perform a non-randomized, cross-sectional study with a convenient sampling of physicians and pharmacists after obtaining written consent.

Results: Physicians (78.6%) and pharmacists (87.1%) agreed and strongly agreed respectively that there are medical conditions for which brand name drugs are preferred including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes; which were comprised in the five major medication categories on the national drug price lists. Overall, physicians and pharmacists showed a ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ perception of generic drugs but had some safety and efficacy concerns. Lack of reporting of adverse drug reactions and quality issues by health professionals was also observed.

Conclusion: Education and communication among patients, physicians and pharmacists can improve the perception of generic drugs; hence, increase confidence in prescribing, dispensing and patient management.