UK to use even more generics

Proposals to increase the prescription of cheaper generic medicines in primary care have been set out in England. The Department of Health is keen to use more generic medicines as they are less costly than the branded equivalent.

The suggestions include establishing a list of products for substitution, and another list of items that would be exempt. The proposals will be put out for public consultation over the next 12 weeks.

Currently, around 83% of prescriptions issued by the NHS are for generic drugs, but ministers want this to rise by around 5%.

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