General practitioners' views on generic medication and substitution.

The government proposal to allow pharmacists to substitute generic medication has caused concern among general practitioners and their patients. A survey of 200 general practitioners was undertaken to canvass their views on the use of generic medications and generic substitution. One hundred and eighty-two completed questionnaires were returned and included in the analysis. Sixty-seven percent of responders indicated that they actively prescribe generic medication. Fifty-two percent stated their opposition to generic substitution without the doctor's knowledge or approval. Fifty doctors provided information about 85 cases where they had identified problems which they associated with the use of generic medications.