Abstract

The article focuses on the thematic evaluation of generic medicine and identifies the factors that are responsible for patients accepting the same by patients. A total of 1,035 full-length articles were considered from the Scopus database from 1973 to 2024, and systematic literature was performed as per the guidance of PRISMA framework. The findings of the study indicate that misconception and misperception are the main two factors that hamper patience acceptance towards branded medicine over its generic counterpart. Other factors such as cost, prior experience medicine severity also plays a supportive crucial role in patience’s choice. In spite of multiple government initiatives worldwide, particularly in India, where health expenses are very high with limited insurance coverage, the awareness of generic medicine is less, which leads to therapeutic non-adherence. The current review highlights that although India is the largest supplier of generic medicine globally, its domestic consumption is less due to concerns related to trust, professional recommendation, and quality. The study highlights the urgent need to educate people and involve healthcare professionals to clear up misunderstandings about generic medicines. By educating the patience by showing the value of generic medicine over branded drug, without any compromise in safety, healthcare systems can encourage better medicine use, lower treatment costs, and make essential drugs more accessible to everyone.

Key words: generic medicines, patient acceptance, India, systematic literature review, thematic evolution, healthcare professionals, drug marketing, healthcare costs, patient perceptions.