Generics represent only a quarter of the drug market, compared to 75% in Germany or the United Kingdom.
Generic drugs still have a long way to go before they conquer France. According to the 2013 Health Panorama of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), published on November 21, they nevertheless represent “a good opportunity to increase the efficiency of therapeutic spending. “
12% of the turnover of French pharmacists
Generics only represent a quarter of the pharmaceutical market in France. This is the same proportion as in Italy or Switzerland. The OECD cites Germany (76%) and the United Kingdom (75%) as an example, which have generalized the use of these substitutes for brand-name drugs. Generics cost less than branded products for an equivalent result. But they suffer from a lack of popularity.
However, this is not for lack of pushing professionals and patients to choose this solution. Pharmacies have the option of replacing brand-name drugs with their generics. In France, unlike Denmark, this is not compulsory. This possibility does not seem to have been emulated: only 12% of the turnover of pharmacies comes from generics. And yet pharmacists can increase their margins on cheaper products like generics.
Reluctance of doctors
Perhaps the problem then lies with the patients, suggests the OECD report. And yet in France, Social Security has even chosen to dissuade them from refusing generics. When a patient requests a brand-name drug, he or she does not benefit from the third-party payment.
And upstream of the prescription, how do the doctors react? Most countries, including France, allow them to use the international non-proprietary name (INN) on prescriptions. This makes it possible not to cite a brand and to facilitate the use of a generic. Social Security encourages them to do so, by paying premiums to those who prescribe generics. But in practice, only 12% of doctors have taken advantage of this possibility. The others continue to prescribe the brand… with a snowball effect all the way to the pharmacy.
The OECD suggests a twofold solution. On the one hand, there should be better promotion of generic drugs to all the audiences concerned. On the other hand, we must encourage the fall in the prices of these products. This is very important insofar as it would represent a lower cost for national health systems, complementary health insurance and patients, and would therefore encourage the substitution of brands by generics.
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