Abstract

The goal of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and factors influencing generic medicines and fixed dose combination recommended by pharmacists for patients with cardiovascular diseases. The research is an inquiry among pharmacists working in community pharmacies. A questionnaire with 14 questions was distributed among 600 pharmacies and after the revision, 144 answers were proceeded. The questionnaire contains 8 questions which aim to reveal the degree of acceptance of generic and fixed dose combination products in a 5 point Likert scale. Six questions clarify the reasons and frequency of generics and fixed dose combinations recommendation. Z-test and t-test analysis was applied to evaluate the statistical significance among the proportions and answers. Pharmacists have a negative opinion towards the country’s generic medicines policy. Factors influencing the positive mindset include NHF’s politics to reimburse the lowest costing equivalent (62.5%), the presence of generic medicines on the market (58.9%). The fact that the public does not have sufficient knowledge about generic medicines is listed as a factor impacting the opinion negatively, whereby there are a large number of indifferent opinions (41%). Pharmacists indicate that on average of 56.6% of their patients are being treated by a generic product, whereas 78% use combination drugs acting on the cardio-vascular system in the last two questions. Factors that positively influence generic medicines recommendation by pharmacists are the regulatory measures and reimbursement policy, while patients’ knowledge and pharmacists’ incentives are negatively influencing the process. The fixed dose combinations are very positively evaluated by the pharmacists. 

Key words: Generic medicines, cardiovascular medicines, fixed dose combinations, pharmacist’s perception.