The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7325 p713-714
13 November 2004

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· New contract
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Letters to the Editor

Dispensing

Generics confusion

From Mr D. J. Ball, MRPharmS

I am concerned about the increased prescribing of generic alternatives for long-established solid dose medicines. Pharmacists, patients, nurses and care workers are all aware of the need to check labels but this is impossible when, for patient convenience, tablets and capsules are held in compliance aids.

With the advent of generic formulations, of which there can be more than one for the same product, appearance, colour and markings can no longer be relied upon. Frequent changes of “me too” manufacturers, presumably for reasons of cost, exacerbate the confusion. Mistakes can and will happen because patients are no longer able to recognise what they are taking.

If generic prescribing is to continue, then I suggest a simple marking code based on drug group should be imposed before release.



Dennis Ball
Chippenham, Wiltshire

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