Generic substitution

Use of generic rather than branded medication is already in place for HIV medicines where patents have expired. Bioequivalence means that this has minimal impact on clinical outcomes, but provides scope for savings. It is important that patients understand the rationale, particularly when switching from a branded to a generic agent and also when an antiretroviral choice is made in anticipation of the availability of a generic version. Information leaflets written by the HIV Pharmacists Association (HIVPA) for patients who are switching to generics are available⁷ as well as questions and answers on generic medicines from the European Medicines Agency⁸.