Abstract

The existence of generic medicines promotes the availability of medicines at a price lower than the original product. Pharmacological studies have only to prove that the generic product is bio-equivalent to the original medicine before registration and no clinical trials to prove efficacy and safety are required. Once a generic medicine is registered, the price will be determined by market forces, which may drive down the price of similar products, including the innovator medicine.

Several new generics were launched in 2008, some of which were the first generic for the original product. The policy on generic substitution requires the dispenser to inform the patient of the availability of a generic alternative where the originator product has been prescribed, thus all dispensers must be aware of the existence of these new generics. This review looks at the first generics for originator products launched in 2008. Prices quoted are the single exit price inclusive of VAT, taken from Mims October 2008.