brand vs generic dispensing

[Raoul]

"I can't understand why we are not allowed to give the customer whichever brand they want and just charge them the difference in notional retail prices. I think this would sort the problem out very quickly"

same here

[Fleegle]

Originally Posted by Sir_Dispensalot

'branded generics' are still generics and can be supplied against any generic script. Some GPs however will specify a particular 'branded generic' on a Rx which would then have to be given eg gp writing a script for 'Simvador' or 'Stronazon' .

Apologise for the confusion, however my point is that if various local GPs favour different branded generics, and prescribe them as such, must that specific branded product be supplied, or can the pharmacy substitute the brand they stock? If not, surely this could result in a build-up of overstocked brands of the same product, and a potential loss of discount.

[Raoul]

"must that specific branded product be supplied, or can the pharmacy substitute the brand they stock? If not, surely this could result in a build-up of overstocked brands of the same product, and a potential loss of discount"

we supply what script says, we can not substitute a Brand with another Brand.

that's why we do only leave 2-3 packs of the branded products " unless there is high demand for a specific brand" and we order the required brand is Rx specify one of many.

[Zoggite]

Originally Posted by Ray

"I can't understand why we are not allowed to give the customer whichever brand they want and just charge them the difference in notional retail prices. I think this would sort the problem out very quickly"

same here

...And how long would it be before the first patient with a script for a branded medicine tells you "I'm happy to have the generic, just give me the difference in money!"

Or "I've got a script for 28 Losec caps, so just give me 112 omeprazole caps instead!"

[Raoul]

well i know what you mean, but i believe we can simply refuse to give any difference, but on the otherside we will solve a big daily problem from those who ask for brand, prescribed generic, their prescribers are unwilling to put them on brand.
plus remmember a lot of them will simply accept the generic if they understand that they need to pay for the difference.

that's how i see the current situation.
regards

[Sir_Dispensalot]

Originally Posted by Fleegle

Apologise for the confusion, however my point is that if various local GPs favour different branded generics, and prescribe them as such, must that specific branded product be supplied, or can the pharmacy substitute the brand they stock? If not, surely this could result in a build-up of overstocked brands of the same product, and a potential loss of discount.

eg there are several branded generics of tamsulosin available eg stronazon, petyme. if the gp does a Rx for petyme we have to give petyme and cannot sub for stronazon even though its the same bloody thing. grrr...

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Ray

well i know what you mean, but i believe we can simply refuse to give any difference, but on the otherside we will solve a big daily problem from those who ask for brand, prescribed generic, their prescribers are unwilling to put them on brand.
plus remmember a lot of them will simply accept the generic if they understand that they need to pay for the difference.

that's how i see the current situation.
regards

Thus ratifying a 2 tier NHS in which those who can afford the branded medicines have their costs subsidised by the NHS while those who can't have to take what they are given.

That's a political decision - worthy of political debate.

I'd vote against it.
If you want private medicine - pay for it in full (or take out private medical insurance that provides what you want).

Jeff

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by Jeff

Thus ratifying a 2 tier NHS in which those who can afford the branded medicines have their costs subsidised by the NHS while those who can't have to take what they are given.

That's a political decision - worthy of political debate.

Are you really saying that you believe that there is a significant difference between branded and generic drugs? If there isn't, its a business decision and we should be allowed to sell and charge accordingly. If there is, then for goodness sake we should all be up in arms about it. Neither way should it rely on politicians (who would probably be surprised we aren't doing it already).

A pharmaceutical decision:- I don't believe there is a significant difference. Therefore, I just don't understand how you can say this would help create a two tier NHS. Its not herceptin versus aspirin, is it.

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by Zoggite

...And how long would it be before the first patient with a script for a branded medicine tells you "I'm happy to have the generic, just give me the difference in money!"

Or "I've got a script for 28 Losec caps, so just give me 112 omeprazole caps instead!"

I like that! You can have my vote for the PSNC anytime.

[DavidS]

Originally Posted by Ray

"must that specific branded product be supplied, or can the pharmacy substitute the brand they stock? If not, surely this could result in a build-up of overstocked brands of the same product, and a potential loss of discount"

we supply what script says, we can not substitute a Brand with another Brand.

that's why we do only leave 2-3 packs of the branded products " unless there is high demand for a specific brand" and we order the required brand is Rx specify one of many.

I still say that just one phone call to the surgeries is all that would be needed to sort this out. Prescribers are, in the main, doing this because they have been told that the branded generic costs less than the drug tariff equivalent. Thanks to Cat M - and its not often you'll hear that - this may no longer be the case, and telling them that might end the problem there. Also, unless the prescriber has a tie-in with the branded generic manufacturer (and its within my experience, alas) they couldn't care less what brand you give, just so long as their drug budget is successfully massaged. Make the phone call!