An Era of Savings in Diabetes Treatment: Call for Switching to Generic Medicines

For those struggling with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease or heart failure, medication costs are no small burden. An important step was taken in Portugal to alleviate this burden and the Generic Medicine Users Association made a clear call to doctors. The aim is to protect both the patient's and the state's budget by expanding the prescription of new generic drugs that are half the price.

Generic Drugs Containing Dapagliflozin Are on the Shelves

As of August 1, with the approval of Infarmed [drug regulatory body], 10 mg drugs containing the active ingredient dapagliflozin were included in the Reference Price System and the state contribution rate was determined as 90%.

In its statement to healthcare professionals, the association emphasizes that these new and more economical alternatives should be preferred instead of turning to other molecules that do not yet have a generic version (for example, empagliflozin). Because this step is of critical importance not only for individual budgets but also for the general health system.

What Do the Numbers Say?

The numbers presented clearly show the magnitude of the event:

Approximately 900,000 type 2 diabetic patients have direct access to these generic drugs at 50% lower prices.

Just by prescribing and distributing these generic alternatives, a significant saving of 45 million euros is achieved in the state coffers annually.

Association officials reiterate the call to Infarmed: The introduction of more generic drugs into the market is expected to be accelerated, for the benefit of the National Health Service (NHS) and patients. In a period when health expenditures are increasing so much, such moves that will ease both our pockets and the system are really valuable.

Source: TPN / Lusa

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