MALAYSIAN INSIGHTS ON GENERIC DRUGS

Kuala Lumpur | 9 November 2022

The UCSI Poll Research Centre recently conducted a poll survey on Malaysians’ perception on Generic Drugs. A total of 1,060 Malaysian adults participated in the poll survey.

Out of the 1,060 respondents, 61% agreed that generic drugs have the same active ingredients as innovator drugs. 11% disagreed while 27% were not sure.

In terms of safety, only 58% of the respondents felt the generic drugs are as safe as the innovator drugs. 17% felt the generic drugs are not as safe as the innovator drugs, while 25% were not sure.

On effectiveness, only 49% of the respondents agreed that the generic drugs are as effective as the innovator drugs. 15% said the generic drugs are not as effective as the innovator drugs, while 36% were not sure.

In terms of side effects, 21% of the respondents agreed that generic drugs have more side effects compared to the innovator drugs. 41% disagreed that generic drugs have more side effects compared to the innovator drugs, while 3% were not sure.

When asked about availability, only 58% of the respondents said that the generic drugs are easily available in Malaysia. 14% said they are not easily available, while 28% were not sure.

In terms of price, 68% of the respondents agreed that the generic drugs are cheaper compared to innovator drugs. 6% said no, while 25% were not sure.

According to Dr Renukha, Head of School of Pharmacy from Taylor’s University, consistently over 30% of Malaysian people are unaware of the difference between generic and brand-name drugs; whether they contain the same active ingredient, are as effective, and are as safe. Although, 60% of respondents were aware that generic pharmaceuticals include the same active ingredients as the innovator drug and are as safe, which is encouraging. However, there is a little decline in their impression that generic drugs are as effective as their innovator counterparts. In addition, some are uncertain or believe that generic pharmaceuticals produce additional adverse effects. Despite the lack of awareness and knowledge on the effectiveness and side effect profile of the generic drugs, Malaysians seem to be aware that generic drugs are cheaper than innovator drugs.

About UCSI Poll Research Centre The UCSI Poll Research Centre (UCSI-PRC) is a public opinion research company owned by the UCSI Group. Its main objective is to utilise original and scientific research methodologies to investigate and analyse public opinions and attitudes.