1

A Comparative Study of Consumers

Preference Between Branded and Generic
Drugs for Year 2013 and 2017
Cervania, Carolinne H.*, Cesa, Dana Katherine G.**, Dayao, Adrian Mark Q.***, De
Guzman, Ramuel Lance R.****, Dolor, Yoree Arsen A.*****, Ebora, Keziah A.******
*Cervania, Carolinne H., Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,
E-Mail: cervania.carolinne@gmail.com
**Cesa, Dana Katherine G., Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,
E-Mail: dcesa4@gmail.com
***Dayao, Adrian Mark Q., Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,
E-Mail: dayaoadrian@gmail.com
****De Guzman, Ramuel Lance R., Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,
E-Mail: lance18deguzman@yahoo.com.ph
*****Dolor, Yoree Arsen A., Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,
E-Mail: yoreearsen@gmail.com
******Ebora, Keziah A., Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines,
E-Mail: eborakezh@yahoo.com

Abstract Branded and generic drugs are two classifications of medications which are identical in dosage
form, safety, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. This study aims to
determine the change in consumers preference of branded and generic drugs in year 2013 and 2017, occurrence of
query about generic equivalent and factors affecting their choice of drug. The subjects included students, faculty
members, staff, and other personnel of the University of Santo Tomas. A questionnaire was used in gathering data.
There is a significant increase of preference to branded drugs from 2013 to 2017. Also, respondents sometimes ask
for the generic equivalent. Furthermore, RiteMed is most preferred generic drug. The prescribing physician has the
greatest influence while price, advertisements, dispensing pharmacist, drug manufacturer, opinion of relatives and
own knowledge of the drug only moderately affect drug preference.
KeywordsBranded Drugs, Generic Drugs, Generic Equivalent, Price, Preference

I. INTRODUCTION

Illnesses are cases that cannot always be avoided in ones life. Due to this, people have a tendency of feeling
uneasy and uncomfortable to function with their daily activities. To cure these illnesses and diseases, we are
provided with medications that will lessen the discomfort we are experiencing. Different drugs are made for the
treatment of different illnesses in our human body. A drug is a medicine or other substance which has a
physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. With this study, we have emphasized on
branded and generic drugs.
A branded drug is a medication which has a trade name and is protected by a patent. Thus, it can only be
produced and sold only by the company holding the patent. Branded drugs are also called innovator drugs. It is
initially marketed as new chemical entities. On the other hand, generic drugs are termed as a drug that is identical--
or bioequivalent--to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, and route of administration, quality, performance
characteristics, and intended use (FDA). In simpler words, their pharmacological effects towards the body are
exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts.
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These two drug equivalents must contain the same active ingredient, or main component of the formulation.
Although the active ingredients are the same, the excipients or rather known as the inactive ingredients may
differ. Another difference between the two is that a generic drug is sold at a substantial discount compared to the
branded drug. According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8 to $10
billion a year at retail pharmacies. Even though generic drugs are sold at a lower price, customers still doubt its
effectiveness compared to a brand drug. Generic and branded drugs may also be classified as look-alike-sound-
alike-drugs which is proven to be a source of error in the health care system when placed together inside a
pharmacy.
The purpose of this study is to determine the change in preference of consumers between branded and generic
drugs in the year 2013. Specifically, this aims to identify the factors influencing the consumers preference and
determine how often they ask for a generic equivalent.

1.1. Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Demographic Questionnaire There is a change
Profile Statistical in the preference of
Treatment the consumers for
Percentage branded and
generic drugs in
T-Test 2013 and 2017.
Frequency
Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

The figure above shows the paradigm of the study which illustrated the relationship of the variable in the study.
The inputs depended on the respondents from the University of Santo Tomas which represented their answers
regarding their opinions about our study, Consumers Preference between Branded and Generic Drugs. The inputs
are questionnaires, and statistical formula of frequency distribution and percentage distribution, weighted mean, and
T-test. These served as a basis of interpretation in order to make more reliable outputs. Moreover, the process is
where the experiment was carried out. The output will be identifying the visible results from the process and
concluding whether if there is a change in the preference of the consumers for branded and generic drugs in 2013
and 2017.

1.2. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine if there is a change in the preference of the consumers for branded and generic
drugs between the years of 2013 and 2017. Along with this major problem to be tested, the researchers have also
included sub questions that are proportionally correlated to this problem.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Which among branded or generic drugs are most preferred when buying a drug?
2. How often do students ask for a generic equivalent?
3. Which of the commonly bought Philippine generic brand are most preferred?
4. How the respondents are influenced in purchasing medicine by the following factors: price, advertisements,
doctor, pharmacist, manufacturer, relatives, and personal knowledge?

1.3. Hypothesis
For further analysis of collected data and to answer the stated problem, the following hypothesis is stated:
1. There is no change in consumers preference on generic and branded drugs in years 2013 and 2017.
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1.4. Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study determined the change in the preference of the consumers for branded and generic drugs between the
years of 2013 and 2017. The study focused on seventy- five (75) randomly selected students, faculty members, staff,
and other personnel in the University of Santo Tomas as the respondents. They will be subjected questionnaires
which will be the basis of the findings used in this study paper. The questionnaire used was made solely from the
researchers. The study will be conducted on May 8 to May 15, 2017.
The research was limited to the availability of the subject, time and their knowledge on the topics.

1.5. Significance of the Study

This study would provide awareness on the preferences in buying branded or generic drugs of students from the
University of Santo Tomas and the factors affecting their choice. It also offers general knowledge to health
professionals on ways to inform consumers in making a wise decision in choosing the right drug.
This study is beneficial to the various pharmaceutical companies interested in starting a business within the
vicinity of the university since it will serve as a guide on the trends on consumer preferences and present an
effective form of promotion and advertisement of their products. Also, it will contribute as additional information to
future researches that will pursue the topic.

II. RELATED WORKS

According to the study of Isik, A. et al (2015) brand variable affects the preference of consumers. Their findings
illustrate that brand names have a strong impact on the decision of consumers. Facilitation of the consumers
decision making is implied by their awareness and desirability; thus, the preference of consumers is based on their
brand experiences. According to Chawla, K., et al (2014), there are major significant financial profits of the brand-
name drug during their patent period and following period. Furthermore, the profitability of brand-name drugs are
influenced by the testing costs, degree of health care privatization, and pharmaceutical reimbursement. This is due to
the fact that brand-name drugs are largely purchased by consumers despite the awareness of generic drugs present
on the market. According to Fraeyman, J. et al (2015) there was a large shift of consumer preference to generic
medicines from brand medicines when informed about the prices of different packages. However, there is a one-
third of consumers who remained loyal, regardless of the price, to their preferred brands. Occurrences involved
lower-educated consumers who believe different brands have different effectiveness and quality. This study showed
that the important motive to switch between different packages is the price advantage despite health professionals
perceptions. Li, M. et al (2017) stated that domestic drug switch on patients with brand response, there is a
continuation of maintaining good antidepressant effect to the patients and severe adverse reaction didnt occur. The
results also suggested that domestic drug switch is practical for imported drug user patients with brand response
while giving patients with reasoned drug use education and psychological support. In addition, medication
compliance to patients may be benefited by brand responses.
Dunne, S., et al (2013) stated that one of the cost saving measures in healthcare is the use of generic medicines.
They are 20 to 90% less expensive compared to their equivalent originators despite being pharmaceutically
equivalent and possessing the same rate and extent of bioavailability with their respective equivalent originators.
Furthermore, the cost of generic medicines are less expensive since according to The 1984 Drug Price Competition
and Patent Term Restoration Act, the repetition of discovery and pre-clinical and clinical studies of generic
medicines is not necessary. As stated in Dunne, S.S., et. al (2015) research article, while the acceptance of generic
medications is improving, substantial mistrust and lack of confidence remains, particularly with the patient and
physician groups. Furthermore, as patient trust in their physician often overrules their personal mistrust of generic
medicines, improving the physicians opinions may be of importance to improve acceptance of generic medicines.
In Hamman, J., et. al (2012) research, psychiatrists reported relatively low views in using generic drugs. In
psychiatrists own perspective when choosing a drug for them, they become more cautious toward generic drugs.
Their decision making in choosing between branded or generic antidepressants or antipsychotics is mostly
influenced by vague perspectives towards properties of both types of drugs as well as by the non-evidence based
 4

factors such as uncertainty in tolerance. In Hernandez, M., et. al (2012) study, participants showed a positive
perception on the safety, effectiveness and quality of generic prescription drugs. These drugs reduce the patients
out-of-pocket expenses, which may facilitate prescription drug adherence. However, the study was more likely to
perceive that generic drugs tend to have more side effects and was inferior to brand name drugs in minority groups
such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. In Keenum, A., et. al (2012) research study, the awareness of the
benefits of generic drugs were not equal preferences for personal use of generics among a sample of women enrolled
in U.S. TennCare. Although most of the women believed that generic drugs were cheaper and have better value than
brand-name drugs, only 45.3% preferred to take generics themselves. About 23% of them believed that brand-name
drugs were more effective and 13% believed that generic medications caused more side effects. According to the
study Kohli, E. et al (2013) over the counter generic drugs and brand name drugs are effective, safe, and undergo the
same Food and Drug Administration approval process indicated by the majority of the participants. Over the counter
generic drugs are chosen by half of these participants rather than brand name over the counter drugs. In addition,
there are several factors which will persuade consumers to pay more for brand name drugs such as advertisements,
duration of over the counter drug medication, safety of over the counter drugs, relief of multiple symptoms, and
preferred company; However, the use of generic over the counter drugs may increase due to awareness and may
result in cost savings and curb costs of drugs. Prasad, B. (2016) states that generic drugs are safe and effective;
however, changes in medication must still be discussed with ones physician and pharmacists. Although generic
drugs have identical active ingredients with its equivalent brand name drug, standards must be met by generic drugs
for bioequivalence. Sansgiry, S., et. al (2015) stated that majority of the participants had positive views with regards
to generic drug substitution. Most of the participants observed that generic drugs were safe, effective, and
inexpensive than their brand counterparts. However, a few respondents still believed that generic drug substitution
may result in less effective medication, limit the ability to what the physician prescribed, and limit the chances of
getting higher quality of medications.
According to Buller, A., et. al (2013) the results in their study revealed that the single most influential factor for
participants when purchasing OTC drugs was lower cost. It was one of the important factors that their respondents
rated as having the most influence on their purchase of generic OTCs. While factors influencing their decision to
purchase brand name drugs included advertisements, duration of OTC effectiveness, severity of sickness, relief of
multiple symptoms, and preferred manufacturer. Badjatya, J.K., (2013) stated in the review article that
manufacturers of generic drugs tend to compete more on price basis than manufacturers of innovator drugs who
compete more on quality basis and differences between products. This leads to manufacturers of brand-name drugs
in doing offer discounts to some purchasers, which tends to be larger when generic versions of the drug are
available. Iacocca, K., et. al (2014) research showed that pricing decisions in branded drugs are such that
manufacturers keep prices high for a group of loyal consumers. The combination of relative price insensitivity
together with the presence of brand loyalty makes it inadvisable for branded drugs to lower prices even in the face of
generic competition. Marketing efforts play a role in higher prices as they have observed that patients have a strong
personal preference toward branded drugs. Moin, A., et. al (2016) stated that their country has developed in
producing quality generic products in therapeutic categories over the past few years. However, these generic drugs
are available at a reasonable price and yet most of the population in their country is still unable to afford these drugs.
Pichholiya, M. et al (2015) claimed that after comparing the costs of branded and generic medicine variations,
generic medicines has a mean cost of 52% which is more than the branded medicines mean cost in India. This is
due to the fierce competition among producers. To reduce the cost of medicines, generic medicines prescription has
been emphasized.
In Ahire, K., et al (2013) research, their results stated that there are more consumers that are demanding for
economic alternative medicines to branded medicines. It was also stated that there are less consumers who have
knowledge about generic medicines and the preference of most of the physicians are towards brand-name medicines
than generic. In Campbell, E.G., et. al (2013) study, it shows that 43% of the physicians in 30 years of practice often
give in to patients demand in brand-name drugs than physicians in 10 years of practice or less. Relatively 4 out of
10 physicians prescribe a brand-name drug when a generic drug is available due to the patients request. This
suggests that inessential costs associated with this practice to the health care system may be substantial. Carrao, G.
 5

et al (2014) states that the formulation of generic statins is accompanied by a high risk of discontinuation of
lowering lipid therapy compared to the use of formulated brand name statins. This implies that generic formulations
retain effectiveness of therapy which reassures the prescription of physicians to their patients. According to Farfan-
Portet, M.I., et. al (2012) the perception of generic drugs by general practitioners may play an important role, though
the reasons why they dont prescribe them may vary. Although patients may be aware of the existence of generic
drugs and overestimate the price differential, they still show a high degree of confidence in their physicians. Payette,
M. et al (2013) stated that respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice are the four prima facie
moral principles that serves as physicians framework for the analysis of problems and ethical decisions. In the
delivery of health care, all parties need to reduce costs while providing the continuation of quality care to patients.
Increasing the use of generic medications in daily practice is one of the mechanism in reducing costs. It was also
stated that generic medications are perceived as inferior to brand-name medications. 20% to 30% consumers
believed that the safety and effectiveness of generic prescription drugs are lesser compared to their brand-name
equivalents. According to Schober, T., et. al (2016), the strong hospitalization impact on the decision of outpatient
doctors in prescribing indicates that physicians in general are not convinced of the equivalence of generic and brand-
name drugs. Physicians generally prefer to follow hospital prescription since outpatient doctors tend to put some
effort to convince their patients on hospital prescription. These support the hypotheses that pharmaceutical
companies have succeeded in promoting brand-name drugs in the hospital sector. According to Toverud, E.L., et al
(2015), the participating physicians and pharmacists are aware about the cost-saving functionality of generic drugs.
However, the participants stated that there is a lack of reliable information and mistrust in the efficacy and quality in
generic drugs. Furthermore, the usage of generic drugs is supported by these participants and they offered them to
their patients despite the socioeconomic status. It was also stated that the concept of bioequivalence and drug aspects
of generics are better understood by pharmacists than physicians. Skipper, N. et al (2015) stated that removal of
incentives from physicians to promote branded drugs is significant in increasing generic drug use. It was also stated
that patients and doctors socio-economic characteristics have low explanatory power.
Furthermore, practicing pharmacists have less business in terms of generic medicines. Based on Billa, G., et. Al
(2013) article, community pharmacists in countries like the United States of America or the United Kingdom play an
important role in dispensing medicines wherefore their cost awareness becomes crucial. While in India, the concept
of community pharmacists doesnt seem to exist since the responsibility for cost reduction, from the point of view of
drug selection, lies with the doctors.

III. METHODS

3.1. Research Design

This study is a descriptive research. Descriptive research is concerned with the condition of relationship that
exists, practices that prevail, beliefs and processes that are going on, effects that are being felt, or trends that are
developing. Descriptive research is used to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being
studied.
The researchers aimed to describe the nature of the situation as it exists at the time of study. The researchers
determined the perspectives and circumstances met by Pharmacy students studying in the University of Santo
Tomas. The inductive method was utilized in this research. Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from
specific observations to broader generalizations and theories. Informally, it is sometimes called as "bottom up"
approach. This research begins with specific observations and measures begin to detect patterns and regularities,
formulate some tentative hypotheses to explore, and finally end up developing some general conclusions or theories.
The researchers also stated the most dominant preference of students regarding whether they would rather buy
generic or branded drugs. The researchers also specified the factors that affect the decision of students when buying
medications.
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3.2. Research Instrument

This study used the Indirect Method in gathering authentic data. The Questionnaire was composed of four parts.
The four parts of the questionnaire were based on the four questions stated in the Statements of the Problem in order
to ensure that the results gathered were in line with the objectives of the research.

3.3. Selection of Respondent

This research paper focused on students, faculty members, staff, and other personnel in the Faculty of Pharmacy
in the University of Santo Tomas as respondents. They will be subjected to questionnaires which will be the basis of
the findings used in this study paper. The questionnaire used was made solely from the researchers. The study was
conducted from May 08 to May 15, 2017. Faculty members, staff, and other personnel that are not studying in the
faculty of Pharmacy are not subjected and not included in this research paper.
The researchers selected their respondents by means of random sampling; the respondents were chosen
randomly.

3.4 Statistical Treatment

The inputs are processed formative assessments, questionnaires, and statistical formula of frequency distribution
and percentage distribution, weighted mean, and T-test. These served as a basis of interpretation in order to make
more reliable outputs. The collected data were developed through tabular form. Sample size, population size and
margin of error were used to determine the insights of the students preference regarding branded and generic
medications.

IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results of the questionnaire are gathered and presented which the researchers conducted in the University of
Santo Tomas in the year of 2017. The purpose of this study is to know the preference of consumers when it comes to
generic and branded drugs; the factors which affect the consumers purchasing of drugs; occurrences of consumers
asking for the generic equivalent of branded drugs; and the consumers generic drug preference. The general
population is composed of 75 respondents from University of Santo Tomas who were asked a set of questions as
shown in Appendix 1.

4.1. Preference of Consumers on Generic and Branded Drugs

32
Year 2013
43

18
Year 2017
57

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Generic Drugs Branded Drugs

Figure 2. Consumers Preference on Generic and Branded Drugs

Figure 2 shows the results of the preference of respondents regarding branded and generic drugs in the years
2013 and 2017. In 2013, from the 75 respondents, 43 or about 57.33% preferred branded drugs while the remaining
32 or 42.67% preferred generic drugs. In the year 2017, among the 75 respondents, 57 chose to buy branded drugs
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rather than generic drugs, generating the higher percentage of 76%. On the other hand, the remaining 18 respondents
chose the preference of generic drugs, garnering a total percentage of 24%. Still, consumers have a preference of
branded names rather than generic names. There is an increase of 18.67% in preference of branded drugs from the
year 2013 to 2017.
According to the study of Isik, A. et al (2015), brand names have a strong impact on the decision of consumers.
Facilitation of the consumers decision making is implied by their awareness and desirability; thus, the preference of
consumers is based on their brand experiences. In Campbell, E.G., et. al (2013) study, it shows that 43% of the
physicians in 30 years of practice often give in to patients demand in brand-name drugs than physicians in 10 years
of practice or less. Relatively 4 out of 10 physicians prescribe a brand-name drug when a generic drug is available
due to the patients request.

4.2. Occurrence of Consumer Query on Generic Equivalence

Never 4

Rarely 18

Sometimes 31

Often 17

Always 5

0 10 20 30 40

Occurrences

Figure 3. Occurrence of Consumer Query on Generic Equivalence

Figure 3 shows the results regarding how often the respondents ask for the equivalent of a generic drug when
buying medications. Among 75 respondents, only 5 say that they always ask for a generic drug equivalent with a
percentage of 6.66%. Seventeen (17) respondents answered that they often ask for a generic drug equivalent,
garnering a percentage of 22.67%. Thirty-one (31) respondents answered that they ask for generic equivalents
sometimes, which is 41.33% of the sample. Eighteen (18) respondents answered that they rarely ask for equivalents,
having a percentage of 24%. Lastly, four (4) students answered that they never ask for generic equivalents, thus
having a percentage of 5.33%, with the least frequency. Therefore, majority of the respondents sometimes ask for
the generic equivalent.

4.3. Preference of Consumer on Generic Drugs

9% Rhea
5% 25%
RiteMed
Pharex
Others
60%

Figure 4. Consumers Preference of Generic Drugs

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Figure 4 illustrates the preference of consumers in regards of generic drug product. Out of 75 student
respondents, 45 (60%) opted for RiteMed generics, 19 (25%) prefer Rhea, and 7 (9%) chose Pharex as their generic
drug products. In addition, Only 4 (5%) prefers other generic drug products such as those which are being sold by
Watsons, a pharmaceutical drug chain store. Thus, most of the respondents prefer RiteMed generics over the other
common generic drugs mentioned.
Dunne, S., et al (2013) stated that one of the cost saving measures in healthcare is the use of generic medicines.
They are 20 to 90% less expensive compared to their equivalent originators despite being pharmaceutically
equivalent and possessing the same rate and extent of bioavailability with their respective equivalent originators.
Furthermore, the cost of generic medicines are less expensive since according to The 1984 Drug Price Competition
and Patent Term Restoration Act, the repetition of discovery and pre-clinical and clinical studies of generic
medicines is not necessary. In Keenum, A., et. al (2012) research study, the awareness of the benefits of generic
drugs were not equal preferences for personal use of generics among a sample of women enrolled in U.S. TennCare.
Although most of the women believed that generic drugs were cheaper and have better value than brand-name
drugs, only 45.3% preferred to take generics themselves. About 23% of them believed that brand-name drugs were
more effective and 13% believed that generic medications caused more side effects.

4.4. Factors Influencing Consumers Drug Preference

Table 1. Factors Influencing Consumers Drug Preference

No Moderately Greatly
Affect/ Affect/ Affect/ Weighted
Factor Influence Influence Influence Total Mean Interpretation
Price 4 38 33 75 2.26 Moderately Influence
Advertisements 24 39 12 75 1.83 Moderately Influence
Doctor 6 14 55 75 2.48 Greatly Influence
Pharmacist 7 29 39 75 2.30 Moderately Influence
Manufacturer 18 46 11 75 1.89 Moderately Influence
Relative 14 42 19 75 2.01 Moderately Influence
Personal Knowledge 6 29 40 75 2.32 Moderately Influence

Table 1 illustrates the factors that affect consumer drug purchases. The Likerts scale with ranges 1.0-1.4, 1.5-
2.4, and 2.5-3.0 for no influence, moderate influence and great influence, respectively, was used to interpret the
weighted mean for each factor. Only the prescribing doctor greatly influences consumers drug preference while the
rest of the factors only moderately influence the respondents.
In Ahire, K., et al (2013) research, it was stated that there are less consumers who have knowledge about
generic medicines and the preference of most of the physicians are towards brand-name medicines than generic.
According to Farfan-Portet, M.I., et. al (2012) the perception of generic drugs by general practitioners may play an
important role, though the reasons why they dont prescribe them may vary. Although patients may be aware of the
existence of generic drugs and overestimate the price differential, they still show a high degree of confidence in their
physicians. Also, in Dunne, S.S., et. al (2015) research article, despite the improving acceptance of generic
medications, substantial mistrust and lack of confidence remains. Furthermore, as patient trust in their physician
often overrules their personal mistrust of generic medicines, improving the physicians opinions may be of
importance to improve acceptance of generic medicines.
 9

4.5. Change in Consumers Drug Preference in years 2013 and 2017

Table 2. Significant Difference of Consumers Drug Preference in Year 2013 and 2017
Computed Value P Value Analysis
2.5009 0.05 = 0.013477 Reject Ho
Computed Value t = 2.5009 > 0.013477

Table 2 shows that there is a significant difference between the consumers preference on branded and generic
drugs from year 2013 to 2017. Using independent sample t - test for correlative means formula, the computed t -
value is 2.5009 comparing to the p value, 0.013477 at a 0.05 level of significance (two - tailed). The computed t -
value is significantly greater than the p value therefore the null hypothesis is rejected and there is a significant
difference between the preference of consumers regarding branded and generic drugs in year 2013 and 2017.
In Hamman, J., et. al (2012) research, psychiatrists reported relatively low views in using generic drugs. In
psychiatrists own perspective when choosing a drug for them, they become more cautious toward generic drugs.
Their decision making in choosing between branded or generic antidepressants or antipsychotics is mostly
influenced by vague perspectives towards properties of both types of drugs as well as by the non-evidence based
factors such as uncertainty in tolerance. Sansgiry, S., et. al (2015) stated that majority of the participants had positive
views with regards to generic drug substitution. Most of the participants observed that generic drugs were safe,
effective, and inexpensive than their brand counterparts. However, a few respondents still believed that generic drug
substitution may result in less effective medication, limit the ability to what the physician prescribed, and limit the
chances of getting higher quality of medications. According to Fraeyman, J. et al (2015) there was a large shift of
consumer preference to generic medicines from brand medicines when informed about the prices of different
packages. However, there is a one-third of consumers who remained loyal, regardless of the price, to their preferred
brands.

V. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

5.1. Summary
A drug is a medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced
into the body. It has two classifications: branded and generic drugs. A branded drug is a medication that can only be
produced and sold only by the company holding the patent and is initially marketed as new chemical entities.
Generic drugs are termed as a drug that is identical--or bioequivalent--to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety,
and route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use (FDA). In simpler words, their
pharmacological effects towards the body are exactly the same as those of their brand-name counterparts.
This study aimed to determine the change in preference of consumers between branded and generic drugs in the year
2013. Specifically, this aims to identify the factors influencing the consumers preference and determine how often
they ask for a generic equivalent.
The subject of the study included students, faculty members, staff, and other personnel of the University of
Santo Tomas. It was accomplished from May 8 to May 15, 2017.
The researchers utilized a questionnaire in gathering data. This included the respondents demographic
profile (age, gender). Integrated in the questionnaire are questions regarding their preference regarding branded and
generic names, and factors influencing their choice of drug.

5.2. Conclusions
Based on the significant findings, the following conclusions were drawn. Similar to the results in the study
conducted in 2013, branded drugs are preferred over generic drugs. There is also an increase in preference of
branded drugs. The respondents sometimes ask for the generic equivalent of the drug to be bought. Among the
stated common generic names, RiteMed is most preferred.
 10

The respondents are moderately influenced by price of drug, advertisements, dispensing pharmacist, drug
manufacturer, opinion of relatives and own knowledge of the drug. Their preference is greatly affected, however, by
the prescribing physician. Lastly, there is a significant difference between the change in consumers preference of
branded drugs than generic drugs.

5.3. Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were exemplified. With this study, the
researchers suggest the extension of respondents to outside of the university and increase of number of respondents.
It is recommended to improve the questionnaire by narrowing down the drug classifications and additional generic
names.
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VI. APPENDICES

6.1. Questionnaire
 12

VII. REFERENCES

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scenario of generic and branded medicines. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
5(3).
[2] Badjatya, J. K. (2013). Generic Drugs Market: Brand Versus Generic. Journal of Drug Delivery and
Therapeutics, 3(2). doi:10.22270/jddt.v3i2.465
[3] Bakker, A. (2017). Is Brand Name Best? Brand name versus generic pharmaceuticals in clinical
practice. University of Ottawa Journal of Medicine,7(1). doi:10.18192/uojm.v7i1.1438
[4] Chawla, K., Tofighi, T., Agarwal, A., Thomas, J., & Mondal, T. (2014). A Global Comparison Between Brand-
Name and Generic Drugs. Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 7(3), 23-28. doi:10.5530/ijopp.7.3.6
[5] Corrao, G., Soranna, D., Arf, A., Casula, M., Tragni, E., Merlino, L., . . . Catapano, A. L. (2014). Are generic
and brand-name statins clinically equivalent? Evidence from a real data-base. European Journal of Internal
Medicine, 25(8), 745-750. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2014.08.002
[6] Dunne, S., Shannon, B., Dunne, C., & Cullen, W. (2013). A review of the differences and similarities between
generic drugs and their originator counterparts, including economic benefits associated with usage of generic
medicines, using Ireland as a case study. BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology,14(1). doi:10.1186/2050-6511-14-1
[7] Fraeyman, J., Peeters, L., Hal, G. V., Beutels, P., Meyer, G. R., & Loof, H. D. (2015). Consumer Choice Between
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VIII. AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Carolinne H. Cervania. She is a BS Pharmacy student studying in the University of Santo

Tomas. She was born on May 30, 1999. For her preparatory and primary education, she studied
at St. Cyprian Catholic School located at 2601 Clinton Street, River Grove, Illinois 60171. As
for her secondary education, she studied at College of the Holy Spirit of Tarlac located at San
Sebastian Village, Tarlac City. As of now, she is currently enrolled at the University of Santo
Tomas located at Espana Bouelevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Metro Manila. Carolinne has also co-
written two other research papers at her age. She has attended numerous seminars. Last year, she
had an internship program at Mercury Drug Cooperation for 200 hours.

Dana Katherine G. Cesa. She was born on April 6, 1999. She studied at St. Joseph College-
Olongapo, Inc. in Olongapo City, Zambales from kindergarten to high school. She is currently
enrolled at the University of Santo Tomas, Sampaloc, Manila taking Bachelor of Science in
Pharmacy. Throughout elementary and high school, she has participated in the student council,
school publication, and various seminars and contests.

Ramuel Lance R. de Guzman. He is a 19 year old teenager from Quezon City. He was born in
Manila and was raised in Quezon City. He attended his Pre-School at Daraga, Albay. He spent his
childhood there. During his stay in Albay, he lived with her grandparents. He then attended his
Grade School and High School at Marist School in Marikina City. He graduated with honors and
became a student leader. He joined the Marist School Coordinating Body (MSCB) and had the
position of Secretary and Vice President for 2 consecutive years. Hes now taking up BS
Pharmacy in the University of Santo Tomas. He is an active member of the Faculty of Pharmacy
Student Council (FPSC) Outreach Committee. He is also the Internal PRO of the Junior
Pharmacists Assosciation (JPA) Gamma Chapter in the said university.

Adrian Mark Q. Dayao. He was born on December 29, 1998 in the province of Pampanga. He
took his primary education at St. Scholasticas Academy and his secondary education in
Pampanga High School where he was a part of the Special Science Class Program. During his
High School years, he alongside his group mates was able to produce a scientific journal and a
prototype which was an alarm that can be placed in bags. Currently, he is studying in the
University of Santo Tomas as a BS Pharmacy major. He is also a part of the Faculty of
Pharmacys Student Council under the Logistics Committee as an Executive Staff.

Yoree Arsen A. Dolor. She was born on the 3rd of July on the year 1998. She attended
Universidad de Santa Isabel located at Jacob, Naga City, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region for her
preparatory to secondary education. She is currently taking up Bachelor of Science Major in
Pharmacy for her tertiary education at University of Santo Tomas located at Espaa Blvd,
Sampaloc, Manila. Since high school, she has been actively participating in seminars and have
co-written research papers and formal reports. She also has an experience in running for high
school student council, school publication, and being a pharmacy intern at mercury drug
corporation.

Keziah A. Ebora. She was born on November 16, 1999 in Alangilan, Batangas City. She grew
up in Abu Dhabi, UAE where she took her preparatory and elementary education in PISCO
Private School and her secondary education in Philippine-Emirates Private School. She was a
part of Commission on Elections Committee for two consecutive years during her secondary
education. During her high school years, she has experienced joining in different quiz bees,
battle of the bands, and different organizations which run under the high school student
council. She is currently studying as a BS Pharmacy major in University of Sto. Tomas. She is
currently a member of Socio-Cultural Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy Student Council.