How Pharmacists Can Talk to Patients About Generics vs. Brand-Name Drugs
Pharmacists are experts on drug information and some of the most accessible healthcare professionals with whom patients don’t need an appointment to consult. Because of this, pharmacists play an important role in patient education and drug product selection. They are in a unique position to communicate at the point of care and share the differences between generic and brand-name drugs as well as the benefits of using a generic alternative.
There are many myths and misconceptions about generic drugs, and these may hold patients back from asking for or using generics. However, this can be a missed opportunity to improve health outcomes, as data shows that switching to generics can promote better medication adherence, leading to better patient results.
As a pharmacist, take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your patients about generics vs. brand-name drugs and inform product selection to include ample generic options. Use these talking points and tips to get started.
Education
Educating patients about generics vs. branded drugs is two-fold: First, consider educating them on the standards for generic drugs to correct misinformation. Second, consider using your expertise to alleviate any personal fears or hesitations that may be holding them back from embracing generics.
Generic Drug Standards
The FDA has strict requirements in place that generics must meet to become approved. Ensure your patients understand the vetting process as well as the allowed differences and what must remain the same between branded drugs and their generic counterparts.
There are several high-quality resources available online to brush up on your generic drug facts and knowledge of the approval process, including:
Westminster Pharmaceuticals strongly believes in the power of education about generic drugs. By following us on social media, you’ll also see regular reminders of important generic drug facts to keep talking points top-of-mind.
When educating patients on generics and branded drugs, pharmacists should not only know what’s the same or different between these two drug types but also be able to communicate this information meaningfully to the patients.
For example, helping patients understand the impact that choosing generics has on the price of the drugs is essential. Inform them about the price of branded and generic drugs and let them know their cost savings, with insurance help included. Ensure they know that even generic prices may drop, as “first generics” only have exclusivity during their first 180 days on the market, after which prices typically drop further as other manufacturer competitors come into play.
Other important facts to relay include:
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug.
Generics have the same strength, dosage form, and administration route.
Generics are manufactured under the same strict standards as branded medicines.
Generics are bioequivalent to brand-name medications.
Things that may differ include inactive ingredients and the medication size/shape/color.
Alleviating Hesitations
The second part of educating customers is alleviating their concerns and hesitations, which will be unique to each patient. But before you can alleviate them, you must first understand where their concerns are coming from.
What’s holding them back from trying generics? Did they have a bad experience? Do they believe the pervasive myths about generics? Are they misunderstanding something on their own?
As you listen and respond, try to avoid dismissing or invalidating their concerns, which can erode trust. Also, steer clear of oversimplifying or generalizing important information. Paint them a full picture and explain the details clearly.
One great tip is to share with them if you also take generic drugs. Hearing about your first-hand experience can assuage their fears and help grow their confidence in your recommendations.
Lastly, aim to keep open communication between you and your patients. And, when possible, let the patient be part of the decision-making process so they’re not confused or surprised by a medication that’s different than what they’re used to.
Drug Selection
Education only goes so far when patients have limited generics available to them. Ensure your inventory includes generic versions of your patients' medications. Some states mandate that pharmacists use generic substitutions where available, but most simply permit the substitutions rather than require them.
To determine whether a generic is available, use the FDA’s Orange Book and search the database. You can start by searching for the brand-name drug, then identifying the products listed under that branded option as “therapeutic equivalents.” Any product with an ANDA number listed next to its name is an available generic.
If your pharmacy patient requests generics from a specific manufacturer, consider ordering generics if possible and if you’re comfortable with it. This can help improve adherence and ensure patients continuously take their medication without delay.
Another way to guarantee that generics are available to patients is by including generics in hospital inpatient formularies to confirm that these medications are available for the hospital to prescribe to patients.
The Bottom Line
Nine out of 10 prescriptions filled is a generic, and pharmacists play an important role in putting these generics in the hands of their patients. While generic drug products may not be appropriate for every patient case, they are the most common type of drug, which millions of Americans rely on to keep themselves healthy, treat unpleasant symptoms, cure disease, and improve their quality of life.
These drugs are just as safe and effective as brand-name drugs but, on average, cost 85% less than brand-name products.
Ensure your patients are fully educated on the benefits of generic drugs using the information above and empower them to make the right choice for their health and wallet.