Analyzing generic and branded substitution patterns in the Netherlands using prescription data

Abstract Background As in other societies, pharmaceutical expenditures in the Netherlands are rising every year. As a consequence, needs for cost control are often expressed. One possible solution for cost control could come through increasing generic substitution by pharmacists. We aim to analyse the extent and nature of substitution in recent years and estimate the likelihood of generic or branded substitution in Dutch pharmacies in relation to various characteristics. Methods We utilized a linked prescription dataset originating from a general practitioner (GP) and a pharmacy database, both... Mehr ...