Η αγορά των γενόσημων στην Ελλάδα
The market of generic drugs in Greece
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Abstract
A generic medicine or drug is defined as a drug comparable to a brand listed drug product in dosage form, quality and performance characteristics and intended use. The introduction of generic medicines in national healthcare systems has been highly debated lately as an effective way to control pharmaceutical expenses. World health organization also asserts the cost-saving potential of generics consumption compared to original drug products. The Greek government has been trying to increase the percentage of generics prescribed, bridging the gap to targets set by international creditors under the terms of the country’s bailout. However, Greek consumers hold a questionable behavior towards generics under the fear that the latter may not be effective or safe. The present study intents to record the consumption of antipressant and antidiabetics generics drugs after their introduction in Greece, France, Germany and United Kingdom. The results show that there is an increasing consumption of generic medicines in Greece, but the percentages of generic have been high for many years.