[Generic drugs in Spain: first stage].

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the evolution of the consumption of generic medicines in the first months of their existence in our country, and the additional savings that could have been achieved if they had been used to their full potential. In parallel, to analyse the supply of these products.

DESIGN

Observational, retrospective study.

SETTING

The entire National Health Service.

PARTICIPANTS

All medical prescriptions officially issued under the National Health System in Spain between October 1997 and December 1998.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

During this period generic medicines to the value of 1727 million pesetas (10.4 million euros) were consumed in our country. This was equivalent to 22.8 millions DDD of 18 different active principles. This figure represented 0.15% of the total consumption of pharmaceutical products in retail amount paid, and 0.17% in number of packages. The potential additional saving that could have been achieved was calculated at 13,227 million pesetas (79.5 million euros). The number of different kinds of generic medicines on sale in May 1999 was 67.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of generic medicines in Spain is increasing steadily in absolute figures in this first stage of their existence. However, there is a long way to go before they reach their maximum potential. As such, the saving not achieved is still very substantial. Supply is also increasing steadily.