A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY ON THE AVERAGE PUBLIC'S KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS ALLOPATHIC GENERIC DRUGS AND THEIR SIDE EFFECTS.

Main Article Content

S. Seshadhri
P. Poncheran
N. Venkateswaramurthy

Keywords

Generic and branded medicine, ADR.

Abstract

Background: Most people in India were not aware of generic drugs. Limited studies were conducted in the country regarding the usage and ADR of allopathy medicine.  


                      


Objectives: The study’s objective is to find out the knowledge about allopathic medicine and its generic counterpart among participants. We also assess the awareness about the ADR of allopathic medicine.


Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted through an online web survey over six months. We Distributed the questionnaire via the online platform.


Results: A total of n=273 responses were obtained, which was concentrated to n=201. Of 201 participants, around 30% hadn’t heard the phrase generic medicine. Around n=121(60.25%) of the population needed to ensure medicine availability in generic stores. Over n= 48, (23.88%) of participants were not aware of ADR.


Conclusions: We concluded that the people had enough knowledge about generic drugs but lacked awareness of the locations and availability of generic medicines in their local area; the Government taking necessary actions to promote generic drugs would help reduce the economic burden on branded ones. Individuals who take medications should be educated about potential side effects and how to address them.

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