Almost half of Irish adults have purchased prescription medicines abroad, however many were unaware if these drugs were branded or generic, new research has found.

A generic drug has the same strength, effectiveness and quality of a branded drug, even though it may look different and come in different packaging. Until recently in Ireland, if a doctor prescribed a branded drug, a pharmacist had to dispense it, even if a cheaper generic equivalent was available.

However, generic substitution has now been introduced, which allows pharmacists to give patients the option of substituting a branded drug for a generic one even if the branded one is on a prescription.

This latest research found that of those who have purchased prescription medicines overseas, 43% were not aware if they were branded or generic.

It also found that eight in 10 adults are not concerned about the quality of generic medicines if they have been recommended by a pharmacist.

The research was released to coincide with a new information campaign aimed at helping people understand more about generic medicines. The ‘Just Ask about Generics' campaign includes radio advertisements, in-store support for pharmacists and an information website, which can be viewed here.