Generic drugs are required to be
pharmaceutically equivalent and bioequivalent to their brand-name
therapeutic equivalents, but may differ in their physical
appearance (e.g., color, shape, size, or markings). This may result
in patient confusion and safety and efficacy concerns about the
generic drug product, and may cause patients to change or
discontinue their medication, which could lead to harmful clinical
and public health consequences. Alternatively, differences in
appearance may help patients identify their drugs and promote
positive public health outcomes. The extent to which differences in
appearance between therapeutically equivalent products create or
reduce patient confusion, affect patient medication adherence, or
are handled by pharmacists is currently unknown. This project will
conduct a survey of pharmacists and two surveys of patients
regarding their perspectives on and experiences with generic drugs
that differ in appearance from previous refills of the same
medication. The goals of the surveys are to provide insight into
the beliefs about and experiences with changes in the appearance of
generic medications, the strategies pharmacists use to notify
patients of changes in appearance, and how drug appearance may be
related to patient outcomes such as confidence in and adherence to
medication regimens.
Ila Mizrachi 301 796-7726
ila.mizrachi@fda.hhs.gov
No
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