Generics versus brand-name – is switching always beneficial? Review article
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Abstract
Generic substitution is a cost containment strategy for the management of health care resource and also provides significant cost savings for patients. In many situations switching between generic forms may raises therapeutic problems. Specifically, several studies suggested that switching may negatively impact medication adherence, whereas other studies found that generic switching was associated with poorer clinical outcomes and more adverse events. In some instances, switching accomplished cost savings but did so at increased total cost of care because of increased physician visits or hospitalizations. Although in many cases generics may represent an appropriate alternative, mandatory generic switching may lead to unintended consequences, especially in certain therapeutic areas.
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