Influencing choice of branded or generic statins by older adults in the USA

Abstract

Objective: This study examines whether information gained from face-to-face contact with health professionals has an influence on switching between branded and generic statins, a class of drugs primarily used by older adults. Methods: Data from five panels of the Medical Expenditure Panel Study covering 2006-2011 are used to estimate multivariate logistic regression models examining whether statin switching is influenced by the patient-centred medical home and type of pharmaceutical drug vendor. Key findings: Provider consultation is important in consumer choice. Older adults who report their physician's office is 'patient-centred' are more than twice as likely to make a generic to branded switch. Switching from branded to generic statins is 50% more likely when prescriptions are filled at a drugstore, 80% more likely when filling at another type of retail outlet and more than twice as likely when filling at a hospital-based clinic (all places where it is possible to speak with a pharmacist in person) rather than filling through mail order or online. Free samples, dosage and type of insurance coverage also influence switching behaviour. Conclusions: Communication between health providers and patients is an important part of the decision to switch between different statin formulations. © 2014 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.