Assessing the longevity of attribute framing in attenuating the nocebo effect to brand and generic medication.

The perception of taking a generic, relative to brand, medication has been demonstrated to exacerbate the nocebo effect. Conversely, positive attribute framing has been shown to attenuate the nocebo effect. However, little is known about the longevity of positive attribute framing nor how it interacts with generic versus brand treatment cues. Healthy participants (N = 205) were randomised to receive either sham-modafinil capsules with a brand or generic appearance, in conjunction with standard negative side effect framing (brand-negative: N = 42; generic-negative: N = 41) or positive side effect framing (brand-positive: N = 40; generic-positive: N = 40). The remainder were randomised to a no-treatment control (N = 42). Participants were informed that modafinil could enhance alertness and cognitive performance and reduce fatigue. Critically, modafinil was described as having several potential side effects. Treatment-related side effects, alertness, fatigue and cognitive performance were measured at baseline, 30-min post-treatment and 24 h later. Nocebo and placebo effects were observed across modafinil-treated participants relative to control. Positive framing significantly reduced warned side effects for 24 h. Perceived side effect likelihood, severity, and worry mediated the nocebo, but not framing, effect. Results have important implications for the presentation of side effect information, providing a potential route to reduce unwanted negative effects of generic medication.

US Generic Antiseizure Medication Supply Chain: Observations from Analysis of US Government Databases.

BACKGROUND: Generic drug manufacturing has shifted away from the U.S. in the last few decades. The medication supply chain, from manufacturers to resellers, has become increasingly globalized and complex. This has led to bottlenecks in their manufacture resulting in medication shortages. Review of this process as it pertains to antiseizure medications (ASM) shows gaps in our comprehension of its complexities. Understanding these processes will be essential for preventing medication shortages. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research is to examine the generic ASM supply with an emphasis on production, labeling, and repackaging. METHODS: Data from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) website DailyMed was used to evaluate supply chain details to gather information on antiseizure medication formulations, manufacturing locations, and labeling. RESULTS: Out of 3142 ASM-related active National Drug Code (NDC-9) codes, 2663 NDC-9 codes with Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) status were included in the analysis. Most (94.8 %) were enteral, with only 5.2 % being parenteral (intravenous and intramuscular route). We identified the manufacturing country for 82 % of these codes, corresponding to 306 unique ANDA numbers. 119 manufacturing sites in 12 countries produce generic ASM Finished Dosage Forms (FDF): 103 for enteral and 21 for parenteral. India is the main producer of enteral ASM FDFs with 49 sites, followed by the US with 36. Regarding parenteral formulation, five countries had 21 unique manufacturing locations. 42 % of the 103 enteral ASM FDFs manufacturing sites produced multiple ASM FDFs, with one facility making eight distinct ASMs. 34.4 % of facilities were associated with over 3 ANDAs, and 15.1 % with more than 5. 22.7 % of ANDAs lacked a manufacturing facility identifier. Repackaged ASM FDFs constituted 48 % of NDC-9 s. Gabapentin and pregabalin were the most common oral ASMs. CONCLUSIONS: India is the major source for generic ASM FDFs manufacturing, leading to concerns about overall supply dependency on that country. There is a paucity of facilities for the global supply of parenteral ASM FDFs. There is missing data for many NDC-9 codes emphasizing urgency for transparency in the supply chain.

Side Effects of Antihypertensives Induced by Switching to Different Generic Medications: Case Reports.

Generic medication is a product that contains the same active substance and pharmaceutical characteristics as brand-name medications. Generic medications are cost-effective and comparable to brand-name medications in terms of clinical endpoints. However, the use of generic medications instead of brand-name medications is a debatable issue among patients and healthcare providers. Two patients with essential hypertension experienced side effects after switching to different generic antihypertensives (one generic medication to another generic medication). Adverse drug reactions, including, hypersensitivity, side effects, and intolerance, should be identified through present and past medical history and clinical characteristics. The adverse drug reactions in both patients were more likely to be side effects of the medications after switching to different generic antihypertensives produced by different companies (patient 1: enalapril and patient 2: amlodipine). The side effects were possibly caused by the different inactive ingredients or excipients. These two case reports emphasise the importance of monitoring adverse drug reactions throughout the course of treatment and communicating with patients prior to switching to a new generic medication.

Assessment of Patient Satisfaction with Generic Medication in Emerging Economy Using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication.

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing patient satisfaction with generic medication in India using the treatment satisfaction questionnaire for medication (TSQM) scale. This study proposed a set of hypotheses that were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). This study was based on primary data collected from 542 sample respondents using the judgmental sampling method. The findings of this study revealed an affirmative relationship of effectiveness and convenience with patient satisfaction with generic medication. The study's findings demonstrated that the TSQM is a psychometrically sound tool with high reliability and construct validity. Path analysis revealed that the effectiveness and convenience of generic medication contributed significantly to patient satisfaction, with standardized coefficients of 0.254 and 0.237, respectively.

Generic formulations of imatinib for treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia in pediatric patients.

Since the patent for imatinib has expired, the role of generic imatinib (GI) in the management of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) leukemia in pediatric patients has had ongoing discussion. Some studies in adults demonstrated that equivalent doses of GI and branded imatinib (BI) result in comparable plasma concentrations and clinical efficacy. However, other studies found that GI users are more likely to stop imatinib, with intolerance and decreased persistence as the main causes. Economic factors also heavily influence GI selection. This article aims to review the present knowledge to support further discussion on the role of GI in the management of pediatric Ph+ leukemia.

Unexpected additive effects of minocycline and hydroxychloroquine in models of multiple sclerosis: Prospective combination treatment for progressive disease?

BACKGROUND: Most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients succumb to a progressive phenotype. Continued lymphocyte activity in the brain, microglia-mediated injury, iron deposition, and oxidative stress are characteristics of progressive MS. OBJECTIVE: As minocycline and hydroxychloroquine have been shown to inhibit microglia, we evaluated their effects on other outcomes relevant for progression. METHODS: Medications were evaluated in culture and in mice with acute and chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). RESULTS: Both medications individually reduced iron neurotoxicity and a combination effect was not observed. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was manifested by minocycline only. Minocycline reduced T-cell proliferation more prominently than hydroxychloroquine; an aggregate effect occurred at low but not high concentrations. B-cell proliferation was mitigated to a greater extent by hydroxychloroquine and an additive effect was not evident. In EAE, suboptimal doses of minocycline and hydroxychloroquine individually delayed onset of clinical signs, while their combination suppressed clinical manifestations until treatment was stopped. In Biozzi ABH mice, a model of progressive MS, the chronic phase was beneficially altered using the combination. CONCLUSION: While minocycline and hydroxychloroquine did not manifest additive effects in most culture assays, their combination at suboptimal doses in EAE unexpectedly exceeded their individual activity. Minocycline and hydroxychloroquine combined are candidate treatments for progressive MS.

Generic atorvastatin is as effective as the brand-name drug (LIPITOR®) in lowering cholesterol levels: a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In a world of ever increasing health care costs, generic drugs represent a major opportunity to ensure access to essential medicines for people who otherwise would be unable to afford them. However, some clinicians and patients are still questioning the safety and effectiveness of generic formulations compared to the proprietary drugs necessitating further systematic research analyzing the generic drugs' efficacy. Our objective was to compare the lipid lowering effects of generic and branded atorvastatin. METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre from 1 May 2013 until 30 May 2013. We analyzed the lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) of 629 patients before and at least 3 months after switching them from proprietary atorvastatin (Lipitor®) to generic atorvastatin (atorvastatin calcium from Ranbaxy Laboratories, Inc.). We also investigated if there was any difference in the effectiveness of both atorvastatin formulations in various ethnic groups. RESULTS: 266 patients were included in this study. When comparing the median values we found no statistically significant differences (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p < 0.05) between proprietary and generic atorvastatin in lowering total cholesterol (4.60 mmol/l pre-transition vs. 4.50 mmol/l post-transition; p = 0.583), LDL-cholesterol (2.42 mmol/l vs. 2.41 mmol/l; p = 0.923) and triglycerides (1.50 mmol/l vs. 1.50 mmol/l; p = 0.513). While there was a statistically significant (p = 0.009) difference in HDL-cholesterol levels favouring proprietary atorvastatin, the extent of this change (1.26 mmol/l vs. 1.25 mmol/l) was deemed not to be clinically relevant. There was no statistically significant difference when analyzing the effects on various ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Substituting proprietary atorvastatin for its generic formulation atorvastatin calcium does not result in a less effective management of hyperlipidemia. Our findings lend support to the approach of lowering health care costs by switching patients from branded drugs to their less expensive generic analogues.

Abacavir: una revisión actualizada sobre sus propiedades y aplicaciones / Abacavir: an updated review on its properties and applications

El Plan Estratégico Nacional para la Prevención y Control de las ITS/VIH/sida, 2014-2018 en Cuba establece un grupo de acciones entre las que se encuentra la estandarización y optimización de esquemas de terapia antirretroviral, adecuación del inicio del tratamiento a las recientes recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, mejorar la calidad de la atención, la adherencia y la reducción del costo de los medicamentos. Para cumplir estas tareas se prevé introducir en el Cuadro Básico de Medicamentos algunos antirretrovirales genéricos cubanos para incrementar las posibles combinaciones de Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Eficacia a disposición de los pacientes que viven con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y sustituir importaciones. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva para la actualización de la comunidad médica y científica; se examinaron las principales características del abacavir: propiedades químico-físicas del principio activo, sus presentaciones comerciales, mecanismo de acción, farmacocinética y resistencia, reacciones adversas e interacciones, aplicaciones terapéuticas, dosificaciones, ajustes de dosis y seguridad en el embarazo. Para ello se consultaron un total de 58 artículos que incluyeron revisiones bibliográficas, trabajos originales, fichas técnicas, libros, conferencias y reportes. El abacavir es un antirretroviral relativamente nuevo y ampliamente recomendado por las guías de tratamiento por su efectividad demostrada(AU)

The National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of the IST/HIV/ aids, 2014-2018 in Cuba establishes a group of actions such as the standardization and optimization of antiretroviral therapy schedules, adaptation of the beginning of the treatment to the recent recommendations of the World Health Organization, the improvement of the quality of care, the adherence to and the reduction of the cost of medications. For the purpose of complying with these tasks, it is anticipated to introduce in the basic drug listing some Cuban generic antiretroviral drugs to increase the possible combinations of the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy available for patients who live with the human immunodeficiency virus and to reduce imports. An exhaustive literature review was made for the update of the medical and scientific community knowledge. This article analyzed the main characteristics of abacavir such as chemical-physical properties of the active principle, their commercial presentations, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and resistance, adverse reactions and interactions, therapeutic applications, dosages, dose adjustments and safety at pregnancy. To this end, a total of 58 articles were consulted including literature reviews, original papers, technical records, books, lectures and reports. Abacavir is a relatively new antiretroviral, widely recommended by treatment guidelines on account of its proven effectiveness(AU)

Conhecimento popular e utilização dos medicamentos genéricos na população do município de Tubarão, SC / General awareness and use of generic medication among citizens of Tubarão, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Embora os genéricos tenham sido introduzidos no país para oferecer alternativa mais acessível aos medicamentos de referência, representam apenas 14 por cento das vendas em unidades no conjunto do mercado farmacêutico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar o nível de conhecimento e o grau de utilização de genéricos em residentes do município de Tubarão, SC. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo transversal com uma amostra de 234 entrevistados, estratificada por bairro. Quanto ao grau de utilização, a maioria dos entrevistados já havia utilizado genéricos, e metade possuía pelo menos um exemplar dessa opção em casa. Para verificar o conhecimento sobre os diferentes tipos de medicamentos, realizou-se um teste de identificação de figuras de embalagens representativas das versões genérico, de referência e similar do paracetamol e do atenolol, 91,0 por cento dos sujeitos identificaram corretamente todas as figuras. Ser de classe econômica mais elevada, já ter utilizado medicamento genérico, acreditar que o genérico tem o mesmo efeito que o medicamento de referência, encontrar medicamentos genéricos nas farmácias com facilidade e costumar comprar o genérico foram fatores associados positivamente com a identificação correta.

Although generic medication has been introduced in the country to offer an accessible alternative to brand-name medication, it represents only 14 percent of sales in number of units within the pharmaceutical market. The aim of this work was to research the level of awareness and the use of generic products among residents of the municipality of Tubarão, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A transversal study was carried out with a sample of 234 interviewees, distributed among municipal areas. With regard to use, the majority of those interviewed had used generic medication, and half of them had at least one such product in their home. To verify awareness of different types of medication, pictures with the generic, brand name and similar packaging for paracetamol and atenolol were shown and 91 percent were able to identify all products correctly. To be of higher economic standing, already having used generic products, believing that the generic medication has the same effect as the brand name medication, finding generic products in drugstores easily and being accustomed to buy generic products, were factors that were positively associated with the correct identification.