The rise of the generic drug market and its implications for dermatology.
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.
Bhosle
Monali
M
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Balkrishnan
Rajesh
R
Dewan
Tina
T
Yelverton
Christopher B
CB
Feldman
Steven R
SR
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D003880:Dermatology / Q000639:trends*; D016527:Drug Costs; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000639:trends*; D016568:Drugs, Generic; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D016568:Drugs, Generic