Medication adherence and generic drug therapies are key components of effective health care. Both have the potential to benefit patients and reduce healthcare costs. This article will discuss the importance of medication adherence and how generic drug therapies play a crucial role.
Medication adherence describes how well a patient follows their prescribed medical regimen. It refers to taking medications as prescribed in terms of dosage, frequency, and duration. Research shows that medication nonadherence significantly increases the risk of hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and deaths. Medication nonadherence is also associated with high healthcare costs and decreased quality of life.
Medication adherence is a significant health outcome, but several factors can impact patients’ ability to adhere to prescription medications. These include inadequate understanding of the prescribed regimen and potential side effects; competing health issues; cost considerations; lifestyle factors; mental health issues; and forgetfulness. As such, providers should strive to ensure that patients have adequate education and support to adhere to their medication regimens.
About generics
Generic drugs are medications with the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts but at a reduced cost. Generic drugs effectively reduce healthcare costs, as they have the same therapeutic value as brand-name drugs but at lower prices.
For greater health outcomes, patients can combine generic medicines with other therapies, including lifestyle changes and complementary therapies.
Generic drug therapy can offer significant cost savings for patients and providers alike. However, provider education is critical to maximizing their cost-effectiveness. Providers should be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of different generic drug therapies to leverage the best clinical decisions when prescribing them.
Doctors must also ensure that patients are properly educated about their generic drug regimen to understand why it’s important to adhere to it.
Use of generics to bring medical adherence
Research has shown that generic medicines can help improve medication adherence, as they are often less expensive than brand-name drugs. This can make them more accessible and affordable for patients, leading to better treatment adherence.
Also, these medicines have the same components as their brand-name counterparts, which means they can be just as effective in treating a patient’s condition.
However, it is important to note that there can be some variations in the manufacturing process of generic drugs, which can lead to differences in the physical appearance of the drug. Hence it may be difficult for some patients to identify the generic drug, leading to decreased adherence.
Here are some key reasons why generic medicines in India promote medication adherence among patients.
1. Affordability:
Generic medicines are significantly cheaper than their branded counterparts, making them more accessible to a larger population of patients in India. This ensures that patients can afford to purchase the necessary medicines, consume them regularly as advised, and adhere to the treatment routine.
2. Wide availability:
Generic medicines are widely available in India, both in the public and private sectors. For example, Medkart has 100+ stores pan India, while the government has over 8000 Jan Aushadhi stores. This makes it easy for patients to access the medicines they need, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
3. Quality assurance:
Generic medicines in India are subject to strict quality control measures per the GMP norms to ensure drug safety and effectiveness. This gives patients confidence in their medicines, which can help increase adherence to treatment regimens.
4. Simplified dosage and administration:
Generic medicines often come in simplified dosage forms, such as tablets or capsules, making it easy for patients to take their medications as prescribed. Pharmacists will label the dosage as directed by a doctor to ensure that the patient follows treatment schedules. This is especially for patients who may have difficulty remembering to take multiple medications at different times.
5. Patient education:
Many healthcare providers in India are trained to educate patients on the importance of adhering to their treatment schedules and the potential consequences of not doing so. This education can help patients understand the importance of taking their medications as prescribed, increasing the likelihood of adherence.
Wrapping up
At Medkart, we value patient education, enabling them to pick up generic alternatives of branded medicines. Our pharmacists across 100+ stores pan India provide a wealth of information to educate patients about generic medicines, including detailed descriptions of the various generic drugs available, their uses, and any potential side effects.
Also, our website offers information through the medkart blog, enabling health and fitness enthusiasts to gain wider knowledge.
In addition to educating patients about generic medicines, Medkart also offers an android and iOS app, allowing patients to order their medicines online easily. The app allows patients to search for generic drugs they need, view prices, upload a prescription, and place an order. Also, you can visit medkart.in to order generic medicines online on a website.
