Use of generic drugs in São Paulo city, Brazil, in 2003: a population-based study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

to analyze the use and perception of generic drugs by people with diabetes and hypertension in São Paulo City, Brazil, considering the Brazilian Generic Drug Policy.

METHODS:

this was a cross-sectional study using data from a household health survey (ISA-Capital) in 2003; analysis was performed on knowledge regarding generic drugs and on the association between their use and sociodemographic and socio-economic characteristics.

RESULTS:

603 people with hypertension and diabetes were included in the study, low use of generic drugs was found (33.3% and 26.3, respectively) and low cost was the major reported advantage of generic drugs (71.0% and 71.1%, respectively); there was no statistically significant difference between the use of generic medication and age, sex or schooling.

CONCLUSION:

low cost and there being no difference between generic drug use and education level strengthen the importance of generic drugs for promoting equity and universal access to medication.

• Authors: Camila Nascimento Monteiro, Reinaldo José Gianini, Neuber José Segri, Moisés Goldbaum, Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros, Chester Luiz Galvão Cesar
• Journal: Epidemiologia e servicos de saude : revista do Sistema Unico de Saude do Brasil (Epidemiol Serv Saude) 2016 Apr-Jun Vol. 25 Issue 2 Pg. 251-258 ISSN: 2237-9622 [Electronic] Brazil
• Vernacular Title: Utilização de medicamentos genéricos no município de São Paulo em 2003: estudo de base populacional.
• PMID: 27869943 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Drugs, Generic

Topics

• Adult
• Age Factors
• Aged
• Brazil
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Diabetes Mellitus (drug therapy)
• Drug Costs
• Drugs, Generic (economics, therapeutic use)
• Educational Status
• Female
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Hypertension (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Sex Factors
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Young Adult