Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions\nof patients towards generic medicines in some Emirates of the United Arab\nEmirates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving patients in three Emirates was\nundertaken. A 23-item questionnaire was designed, pre-validated and administered.\nResults: The questionnaire was fully answered by 96 patients out of 120 producing a\nresponse rate of 80%. The majority of patients were young Arab females with a university\ndegree. Slightly less than 50% of patients were having a monthly income of\nless than ED 10,000. Results of the patient�s survey indicate that they have poor\nknowledge and perception of generic medicines. They did not know the meaning of\ngeneric or brand medicines and this negatively influenced their responses to consequent\nquestions. Conclusion: Patients� knowledge and perception of generic drugs\nwere poor. Efforts are needed to increase public awareness of generic drugs and\npossible brand substitution. Both the prescribing physician and the dispensing\npharmacists have an essential role to play in educating their patients of generic\ndrugs.
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