Manufacturers of generic medicines announced that the 2013 market was sluggish and that significant measures are needed to change prescribing methods and improve patient confidence.
The growth of the generic drug market in 2013 returned to the rates seen in 2006 and 2007: + 12.7% in value and + 16% in volume. However, following this catching-up observed in the first half of the year, the association noted “a real slowdown and then a decline in the market from the month of August. “Thus, explains the association” between the first and the second semester, the market hardly progresses: + 1.81% in volume and 0.18% in value. While in 2013 many new generics were put on the market, they barely made it possible to offset the erosion of the repertoire. “
Significant savings
In 2013, the General medicine represented 785 million boxes and € 3.4 billion in turnover. The use of generic drugs resulted in savings of 2.4 billion euros in 2013 and nearly 15.5 billion euros since 20002.
But, in December 2013, the generic drug would represent only 31% of the reimbursable pharmaceutical market in volume and 19% in value. France is still far behind the other European countries.
Gem’s recommendations
The association reiterates its desire to “get healthcare professionals to prescribe generic drugs in proportions close to those of their European colleagues. “But explains that” this ambitious objective would be attainable “only” by setting a prescription budget, all the incentive devices having shown their ineffectiveness “.
In France, only 40% of prescriptions are established with generics for 70% in Germany and the United Kingdom.
It is therefore essential that pharmacists confirm their role in substitution and patients are better informed and find trustthrough a major information campaign.