Generic
Drugs and Health Care Savings
The
sales of generic drugs are growing with
each passing day. A rush of new generic
drugs will be storming the pharmaceutical
market in 2006 for the benefit of common
men. During the next three years, brand-name
drugs, whose sales total $10 billion to
$12 billion, will become available as generics
due to the mounting popularity of generic
drugs as compared to branded one.
The
potential savings from generic drugs are
very impressive. According to the Excellus
report, if all upstate New York counties
fill prescriptions with generics at the
rates of the best counties in the region
then more than $880 million would be saved
in this regard. It?s a big savings indeed.
The best part is that these monetary savings
can be used for other better purposes.
Normally,
the percentage of consumers using generics
varies by drug, age group, and region. Doctors
in this regard can play a big role in making
his patient aware of the benefits of generics.
While the first and most important concern
for physicians is to prescribe the proper
treatment for their patients, cost can play
a role in the decision-making process. They
need to be encouraged by the insurance companies
and their patients to consider generic alternatives.
For
hospitals, generics are generally the preferred
option as they are more economic as compared
to the prescribed one, however, it honor
patient requests for brands. It also will
sometimes stick with a brand name if it
has been used in an emergency situation
to stabilize a patient. In addition to doctors,
pharmacists, and patients themselves, employers
also play a role in encouraging generic
use.
Always
remember that generic drugs can be cheaper
but never inferior to a branded drug. It
provides you the same benefits that you
look for in a branded drug. Generic drug
can be used for various purposes such as
erectile dysfunction, heart disease and
lot more. So make generic drugs a part of
your life and save millions in the long
run.
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