Generic Prescribing and Generic Substitution
Background:
The Department’s policy position over the years has been that generic medicines should be used instead of branded medicines whenever and wherever possible. This policy needs to be refreshed and reaffirmed since it is clear that practice in Northern Ireland in relation to the use of generics is not on a par with the rest of the UK. What is needed is major cultural change, both in relation to public expectation and professional practice.
Brief Description of Project:
To help achieve this parity, a package of measures has been developed including:
- a restating of the policy on generic prescribing;
- the launching of a “Go Generic” publicity campaign aimed mainly at the public and practitioners;
- the introduction of a number of pilots empowering pharmacists to dispense generically irrespective of the GP prescription; and
- the introduction of a number of support measures and initiatives to underpin a transition to more effective prescribing.
Ultimately, however, if the benefits of generic prescribing are to be maximised consideration will need to be given to the formal introduction of generic substitution – under this branded drugs would be dispensed only where there is no generic substitute, or in exceptional circumstances. This would require changes to relevant legislation, mainly the Medicines Act 1968, and would be subject to detailed consultation with key stakeholders such as users, the professions and the pharmaceutical industry.
Aim:
To achieve a generic dispensing rate of 58% in NI by end March 2008.
Progress to date:
- Generic prescribing publicity campaign developed and launched
- Regional Prescribing Incentive Scheme revised to take account of generic dispensing targets
- Generic substitution pilots established in each Board area and evaluated
- Survey undertaken to determine generic prescribing / dispensing rates
- A database established to monitor generic prescribing cost information
Priorities for 2007/08:
- Continued support to the “Go Generic” publicity campaign
- Implementation of the revised Regional Interim Prescribing Incentive Scheme
- Evaluation of the generic substitution pilot and further roll-out if appropriate
- Communication to stakeholders of the results of the generic prescribing / dispensing survey
