THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST AS EDUCATOR ON GENERIC MEDICINES Maria Beatriz Silva, Luciana Lopes Guimarães, Valter Garcia Santos

Abstract

After the fall of the patent of reference medicines, they are available as similar or generic products, often being offered at lower prices than the reference medicine, making them more accessible for patients and the healthcare system. In Brazil, after the approval of the generics law in 1999, access to pharmacotherapy became easier for the population. The pharmacist plays a fundamental role as an educator in promoting the appropriate use of generic medicines. Through his technical and scientific training, he has the knowledge necessary to provide accurate and reliable information to patients about these medicines. Furthermore, the pharmacist has access to several sources of updated information, such as scientific literature and specialized databases, which enable him to guide patients in an informed and safe way. Among the main information that the pharmacist must provide to patients about generic medicines is their effectiveness, safety and therapeutic equivalence in relation to branded medicines. This work aims to describe the role of the pharmacist as an educator on the use of generic medicine. The present study is characterized by an exploratory bibliographical review of research on the topic and the data collected was based on evidence from scientific articles and periodicals, using the websites PubMed and Scielo as a database. The search period was carried out between 1999 and 2023, using the following keywords: educator, pharmacotherapy, pharmacist, generic medicine. To prepare this work, scientific articles related to the topic that could contribute to its development were considered. The inclusion criteria used to select the sample were: research articles and dissertations that addressed the same topic as the study with free access, full text. To play their role as an educator on the use of generic medicines, the pharmacist needs to be up to date with the legislation and regulations surrounding these products. It is essential that he is aware of current regulations, thus ensuring safe and reliable care for patients. Lack of knowledge about regulations can compromise the quality of the service provided, putting patients' health at risk. The continued education of pharmacists regarding generic medicines is extremely important so that they are always prepared to clarify doubts and offer a quality service to patients. The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving, with new medications and technologies being developed regularly. Therefore, it is essential that professionals stay up to date through courses, training and participation in scientific events, in order to provide accurate and updated information to patients.