Generic atypical antipsychotic drugs in Belgium: their influence and implications.

INTRODUCTION

Generic atypical antipsychotic drugs should be a focus of attention given their expenditure. However, there is a recognized need to tailor treatments. There were no specific measures in Belgium to enhance the prescribing of oral risperidone following generics in January 2008. Prescribing restrictions have remained for long-acting risperidone injections throughout.

OBJECTIVE

Assess changes in risperidone utilization before and after oral generics were reimbursed, as well as the utilization and expenditure of the various risperidone preparations.

METHOD: Principally a retrospective observational study and interrupted time series design.

RESULTS

As expected, no increased utilization of oral risperidone after generics. Both originator and generic oral risperidone prescribed, with the originator reducing its price. Generic risperidone was 59% below prepatent loss prices by September 2012.

CONCLUSION

Authorities cannot rely on a 'spill over' of learning from other disease areas to affect changes in physician prescribing habits. Specific measures are needed to encourage generic risperidone where appropriate. However, their influence will be limited by the complexity of the disease area.