If you look at its size, the book entitled 'What You Need to Know about Generic Drugs' may be quite small but it is full of information that society should know about generic drugs.
One author, who is also a lecturer at the School of Pharmacy (PPSF), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Assoc. Prof Dr. Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali said generic drugs are drugs that show some of the quality, safety and efficacy similar to branded products.
He said it contains the active ingredients and formulations of the same active ingredients with the original product and marketed after the date of expiry of the original product ownership, as well as can be obtained with a far cheaper cost than the original product.
"It is important to consumers exposed to the use of generic drugs because not all people understand the medicine, but there are some who think generic drugs at a much lower quality than the original drugs.
"Recognizing the lack of understanding, USM through PPSF come up with this book that tells a variety of relevant facts, including the definition of generic related terms, general information and guidance that really helps with the most simple language and simple,'' he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after launching the book by Dean PPSF, Professor Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman here today. Also present were Director of Publisher, USM, Assoc. Dato 'Dr. Mohd. Salleh Yaapar and Director of the Peace, Dr. Abdullah Nurulain Bayanuddin.
The book 'What You Need to Know About Drug Generic' is also written by two authors-cum-lecturers at the PPSF, Dr. Jayabalan Thambyappa and Dr. Asrul Akmal Shafie.
Add Mohamed Azmi, the production of the book also has managed to avert the myths and assumptions that generic drugs are really poor quality, fake, unsafe and not comparable due to the original drugs are much cheaper price.
"People need to know that not all the cheap poor quality or counterfeit. In other sectors this phenomenon may occur but not in this country where all drugs, including generic to be registered with National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (BKFK).
"Before a drug is approved, all documentation including the manufacture and procurement of resources to the development of a formulation of active ingredients, chemicals needed, test the stability, safety and toxicity were also sent to BKFK,'' he said.
Meanwhile, Syed Azhar, insisted, pengaran have compiled a list of useful references for those who want more information about generic drugs.
"We hope this book will be used as a source of information to the public and can increase our knowledge and understanding related to generic drugs and related issues,'' he said.
The book was published in two languages will be available in the near future, and users can get it at the USM Bookstore Cooperative and the MPH Distributors Sdn. Ltd. for as low as RM 10.
