Every September, the Department of Health observes “Generics Awareness Month” to promote the use of generic medications and to commemorate the passage of Republic Act 6675, also known as the “Generics Act of 1988.” RA 66754 ensures that inexpensive and effective drugs are made available to all Filipinos. While it is ideal for doctors to prescribe generic medications to their patients, it is important that doctors verify that these medications have undergone the necessary tests.
“To safeguard public health, we recommend that doctors should verify if the generic products they prescribe have undergone testing by FDA-approved and ISO-accredited clinical research organizations, Bioavailability or Bioequivalence Testing Centers and Bioanalyitical Laboratories,” said Atty. Irineo M. Galicia, President of the Center of Excellence in Drug Research and Studies Inc.
or CEDRES Inc. CEDRES champions the universal right to safe, effective and quality medicines. It has been providing analytical services locally and internationally for the past 20 years.
It is accredited and regularly audited by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Professional Board of Chemistry (PRC). Their clients are assured that all data and results are accurate and guaranteed by their chemists and Quality Department. According to Galicia, the verification process of generic drugs should include: 1.
The drug manufacturer should be CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing .