Generic medications in ophthalmology

Br J Ophthalmol. 2013 Mar;97(3):253-7. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2012-302245. Epub 2012 Nov 9.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the process of genericisation of medications in the US and Europe with a focus on ophthalmic drugs. Regulatory guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency will be discussed, and the advantages and concerns of genericisation will be explored. We will look at various studies concerning the safety and efficacy of generic drugs compared to their branded counterparts. In particular, the challenges of assuring bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence in topical ophthalmic drugs will be examined.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drugs, Generic / therapeutic use*
  • Eye Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Ophthalmology*

Substances

  • Drugs, Generic