Experts warn on costs of generics
By Tom Moberly, 05 March 2010
Generic substitution could 'seriously jeopardise patient well being', doctors and charity leaders have warned.
Primary Care Dermatology Society executive chairman Dr Stephen Kownacki and primary care nurse practitioner Deborah Duncan were among 19 signatories of a letter to The Times, alongside hospital specialists and leading charities.
The cost of generic substitution - allowing pharmacists to switch branded drugs on prescriptions to generic alternatives - could be greater than any savings, the letter warned.
'Only the prescribing doctor or nurse knows the patient's medical history,' the letter says. 'Substitutions should never be made without their consent and awareness.'
The letter's authors recognised that there are cases where generic prescribing is appropriate, but pointed to 'clear evidence that, for some medicines, it may be dangerous'.
Last month, health minister Mike O'Brien launched a consultation on the DoH's plans for generic substitution in England. The proposals are open for comments (www.dh.gov.uk) until 30 March 2010.
Additional Information
Latest jobs Jobs web feed
- Salaried/Lead GPs Malling Health Competitive, role dependant, NHS Pension and defence fees reimbursed, Nationwide
- Salaried GP The Practice plc £75-85k FTE +NHS pension, Ely or Leicester
- Regional Clinical Leads The Practice plc Salary £95-105k FTE + NHS pension, Leicester or Sheffield
- Locum GP - HMPS CES Locums £70-75 P/H, South East
- Locum GP - MoD - ASAP to End of September CES Locums £60 P/H Fixed Rate, West Midlands
- Private Locum GP, Required, Essex for July, Ongoing sessions Merco £55 - £60/hour, Essex
Most read
- GPC unveils detailed guidance for GPs on CQC registration
- How CCGs can work with pharma to reduce emergency admissions
- GP urged to audit records to find two million with undiagnosed COPD
- First wave of GPs to receive revalidation date in December
- Government department sessions (where BMA 'Treasury rate' is accepted)
- BMA releases sample pensions ballot paper
Most commented
MIMS Drug Search
Possible searches include drugs (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases and more.
