Are branded drugs always better?
How do clinicians choose between generic and branded drugs, balancing the need for patient safety against cost? Kathy Oxtoby takes a look.
Domains covered
Communication
Clinical practice
Specialty CPD (IP)
In today’s turbulent economic climate, and with the NHS experiencing some of the most severe pressures in its history, there is a pressing need for clinicians to cut costs.
“When prescribing, we have a duty to avoid unnecessary cost burdens being imposed on the NHS system, as well as a duty of care to patients, to ensure that they get the treatment they need. That means keeping costs down, such as by prescribing generic rather than branded drugs,” says Kirsty Redden MCOptom, a senior optometrist and independent prescriber (IP) at Duncan and Todd Opticians and Hearing Care in Aberdeenshire.
For the 1,400 or so registered IP optometrists across the UK (General Optical Council, 2023), there are important decisions to be made as they balance the growing pressure to cut costs with the need for patients’ safety and wellbeing.
Not already a member of the College?
Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.
Related further reading
This Road Safety Week, The College of Optometrists and Association of Optometrists are urging all drivers to ensure they have regular eye tests to check their vision still meets UK driving standards.
The College of Optometrists presented its annual Research Excellence Awards to 2025’s winners at its prestigious annual Diploma and Awards Ceremony on 18 November at Central Hall in Westminster, London.
The President’s Research Medal recognises and celebrates outstanding contributions to research and recognises a lifetime's career in optometric, eye health or vision science research.