Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8466

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Chain pharmacists are found more likely than indeps to use unbranded generics
American Druggist 1982 Oct; 186:13, 70, 72, 76, 79, 82, 86, 88

Abstract:

A survey on the drug product selection of community pharmacists when dispensing prescriptions allowing a choice between generic and brand name products is presented. The 1982 nationwide survey involving 2,048 independent pharmacies and 390 chain pharmacies showed that pharmacists are using generics in dispensing 27.4% of prescriptions. More pharmacists preferred brand name generics (58.8%) to the unbranded generics (42.2%), with more chain pharmacists using the unbranded products. Of the 42 drugs covered by the survey, 35 were covered in 3 consecutive surveys (1980, 1981, 1982). A strong continuity in the rosters of leading generic preferences and manufacturers was observed for practically all drug categories surveyed. Brand name manufacturers dominated in each drug category, and in 19 of the 42 categories, a generic manufacturer held second place. Tabulations for all 42 products covered in the survey, with separate data for chain and independent pharmacists and with 1981 comparisons where applicable, are presented. The listings include all suppliers mentioned by 2% or more of the pharmacists.