Physicians' attitudes toward generic drug substitution by pharmacists.

Physicians in Southeast Texas were surveyed to obtain information on attitudes and practices concerning generic drug substitution. Questionnaires were sent to all practicing primary care physicians in the area, and responses were received from about 36% of them. The investigation revealed that a large percentage of physicians did not readily permit substitution. Two major reasons given for not permitting substitution were concerns about therapeutic inequivalency and doubts about pharmacists' ability to substitute safely.