WASHINGTON -- Pharmacists overwhelmingly support the use of generic drugs, according to a new AARP study that looks at attitudes and practices regarding the use of generics.
The study found that more than two-thirds (68 percent) of pharmacists support generic substitution for-brand name drugs in most cases, and about one-third (32 percent) said they support generic substitution for brand name drugs in all cases where a generic is available.
The study also revealed that customers frequently wish to talk with their pharmacists about prescription drug costs, but about one-third of pharmacists admitted that they are only somewhat prepared for that conversation. The remaining two-thirds, however, acknowledged that they understand their customers' concerns about rising drug costs all too well.
Other study findings include:
* 85 percent of pharmacists said it is somewhat or very important for the new Medicare drug benefit to promote the use of generic drugs.
* 52 percent said they need information on drug pricing, formularies and benefits to help them in carrying out an advisory role.
The AARP study was conducted online with a panel of pharmacists who completed a self-administered questionnaire from May 9 to 19. Among the 502 respondents, about 70 percent represented chain or grocery pharmacies, and 30 percent represented independent pharmacies.
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