OBJECTIVE:

to analyze the use and perception of generic drugs by people with diabetes and hypertension in São Paulo City, Brazil, considering the Brazilian Generic Drug Policy.

METHODS:

this was a cross-sectional study using data from a household health survey (ISA-Capital) in 2003; analysis was performed on knowledge regarding generic drugs and on the association between their use and sociodemographic and socio-economic characteristics.

RESULTS:

603 people with hypertension and diabetes were included in the study, low use of generic drugs was found (33.3% and 26.3, respectively) and low cost was the major reported advantage of generic drugs (71.0% and 71.1%, respectively); there was no statistically significant difference between the use of generic medication and age, sex or schooling.

CONCLUSION:

low cost and there being no difference between generic drug use and education level strengthen the importance of generic drugs for promoting equity and universal access to medication.

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