Prevalence of use and acceptance of generic drugs by population of Maringá-PR

Abstract

The establishment of a national policy for Generic Drugs was one step in order to improve Brazilian population´s life quality, giving easier access to medicines for the treatment of several pathologies. This work as its goal the analysis of the current situation on the Policy on Generic Drugs in the city of Maringá-PR, evaluating the acceptance, the use and the knowledge that population has about this kind of medicina, also bulding a profile on this Policy. For that reason, a specific data-capture questionnaire was used. The results showed that 88% of the population has already heard of Generic Drugs, and 76% affirm that know their concept. Among the questioned people, 70% have already made use of Generic Durgs and 60% have observed the desired effect of the medicines. The results showed also that there is a certain insecurity related to the replacement for generic medication done by the pharmacist, because only 33% of the population affirmed to trust this professional in the replacenment. Besides, only 28% of the interviewees said that they have been prescribed Generic Drugs by their Medical Doctors. We can conclude that, in spide of the high rate of knowledge about Generic Drugs, actions for a deep consolidation o the Policy on Generic Drugs in Brazil are needed. We also need to change their concept mainly among the health professionals, in order to provide en improvement in the population access to such medications, causing a greater impact in the population´s life quality.