The rise of the generic drug market and its implications for dermatology

Abstract

Background: Recent data from the pharmaceutical industry suggest that generic medications are occupying an increasing percentage of the prescription drug market. Objective: The objective of this paper was to review the trends in branded and generic dermatological and overall medications in the United States. Methods: A thorough literature search of research papers for the period 1990–2003 was performed. In addition, we utilized data from a number of medical databases to obtain and compare information on the manufacturing, production, patents and prescription of branded and generic drugs. Results: Two of the top 10 drugs used exclusively for dermatological conditions prescribed in 2003 were generics. For all drugs, the number of generic equivalents increased from 2 (in 1990) to 6 (in 2003) of the top 10 prescription drugs. Conclusions: The economic, social and scientific implications of the rising prominence of generic drugs are incredibly complex. Dermatologists, pharmacists, pharmacy benefit managers, and health policy makers should consider medication decisions carefully.

• Generic drugs
• generic drug substitution
• topical drugs