Evaluation of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Patients towards Generic Medicines in UAE

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of patients towards generic medicines in some Emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving patients in three Emirates was undertaken. A 23-item questionnaire was designed, pre-validated and administered. Results: The questionnaire was fully answered by 96 patients out of 120 producing a response rate of 80%. The majority of patients were young Arab females with a university degree. Slightly less than 50% of patients were having a monthly income of less than ED 10,000. Results of the patient’s survey indicate that they have poor knowledge and perception of generic medicines. They did not know the meaning of generic or brand medicines and this negatively influenced their responses to consequent questions. Conclusion: Patients’ knowledge and perception of generic drugs were poor. Efforts are needed to increase public awareness of generic drugs and possible brand substitution. Both the prescribing physician and the dispensing pharmacists have an essential role to play in educating their patients of generic drugs.