Pinoys trust branded generics — DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are now trusting generic medicine compared to branded but expensive drugs, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said recently.

Although there are many generics sold in the market, DOH pharmaceutical division chief Ana Melissa Guerrero said Filipinos prefer the “branded generics.”

“People are now using generic medicine. But if you look at the total market share, 52 percent of Filipinos are taking branded generics,” Guerrero told reporters.

A generic drug contains the same chemical substance as a drug that was originally covered by patent protection. Generic drugs are allowed for sale after the patents on the original drugs have expired.

According to surveys conducted this year, Guerrero said 58 percent of patients are taking generic medicine. Of the number, 52 percent are using branded generics. 

“If you buy these in the market, a generic medicine costs only P3, for example. The branded generics cost around P15. But if you buy branded medicine, it will be P39,” she said. 

Guerrero said “true generics” must not have a brand. Otherwise, it will cost more.

She urged the public to patronize real generic medicine.

“For the DOH, there are two kinds of medicine: branded or generics. Only low-cost generics are available in government health centers,” she said.

Guerrero noted that pharmaceutical companies invest in research and development before they are able to come up with an innovative medicine.

Because of this, drug manufacturers are given patent or market exclusivity of 20 years. After the period has lapsed, other companies can produce the generic counterparts of the medicine, which are cheaper.

Republic Act 6675 or the Generics Act of 1988 ensures the adequate supply of affordable medicine for the people.