Drug Policy
Using generic Drugs
Generic drugs are copies of branded medicines but work similarly. They offer the same therapeutic benefits and also an affordable price.
However, different benefits comes with generic medicines:
Lower cost, increased access to medications, improved adherence, and innovation.
But there are some countries where doctor’s prescription is required and with utmost care.
Educating patients and even healthcare professionals about the benefits of generic drugs to increase their use. The government do offer incentives to generic drug manufacturers to encourage production and even competition.
Procedure for Drug Approval
The drug approval process is a long and complex one. it is designed to ensure the safety and efficacy of the new drugs before they are available in the market.
Hence, there are 3 main stages involved in the procedure of drug approval:
Pre-clinical research
Discovery and development which involves identifying potential drugs and conducting laboratory testing to assess their safety.
Investigational new drug application includes detailed information about the drug, its chemical composition, process of manufacturing, pre-clinical testing data and also proposed clinical trial plans.
Clinical research
There are 3 different phases where the first phase there is a small-scale trial, to determine the drug dosage and administration details.
In the second phase, there is a larger trial, designed to evaluate the drug’s efficacy and identify potential side-effects.
Post-marketing surveillance
Once the clinical trial is done the other information is submitted by the pharma company to approve the drug for marketing.
Drug Efficiency
This involves 3 main stages and encompasses various effects.
Drug expansion and endorsement
- Streamline the regulatory pathways
- Balancing efficacy and safety
Drug access and affordability
- Promoting the generic drugs
- Negotiating drugs prices
- Implementing cost-effectiveness
Rational use of drugs
- Promoting evidence-based prescribing and this policy can encourage experts to prescribe medications based on the best available evidence
- Implanting a drug review program here analysing prescribing patterns to identify and address areas.
- Educating patients about drugs to make an informed decision.
Side Effects of Drugs
No doubt, drugs can be immensely beneficial and used for treating various illnesses or diseases. But at the same time, they can even show some side effects.
Hence, managing these side effects is a crucial part of drug policy.
Different types of side-effects
There are number of side-effects that can range from major to mild.
There are some off-target effects and this occurs when the drug interacts with the other molecules available in the body, leading to unwanted consequences.
But there are some effects that can range when two or more drugs are consumed at the same time.
Impact of side-effects
Patients should stop consuming medications if any side effects are seen.
Also managing side-effects often requires additional healthcare interventions and by raising the overall medical costs.
Decreased quality of life, these side-effects can significantly impact on patients’ lives. However, there in you might undergo some pain and unwanted discomfort too.
Policy on Pricing.
Drug policy and pricing are determined to be one of the complex issues. There are number of key aspects that should be monitored.
- Drug pricing are influenced by some factors
There are many pharma companies that invest in the overall drug process.
Manufacturing and distribution cost includes the cost of raw materials, manufacturing facilities and even distribution network.
In the absence of price controls, the prices of the drugs are determined by the market forces (supply and demand).
- Some policy approaches that influence drug prices
The control over the price
Here government can set the prices of the drugs that companies can charge.
Pricing comparison
Drug prices are also compared to those in other countries and the lower price is set as the benchmark.
Patent and intellectual rights
Reforming patent law, and rights can promote competition and lower drug prices.
Consideration and challenges
Here the drug policy should ensure that all of the essential medications are affordable for patients while offering the desired incentives for pharma companies.
Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of different drugs and is essential for determining (which drug offers the most value).
International collaboration where addressing the global drug pricing challenges requires international cooperation.
Overall, we can say that generic drugs are a sound drug policy and that can lead to significant benefits for patients, the healthcare system and even governments.