Most Consumers Believe Generic & Branded Drugs Are Equally Effective.

Almost 85% of American adults agree with the statement “Generic medications are as effective as brand-name prescription drugs,” according to the MRI Spring 2004 Survey of the American Consumer. However, only 36% of consumers report they prefer alternative medicine to traditional medical practices.

The survey, which was conducted between September 2003 and May 2004, asked a strict area probability sample of 26,000 U.S. adults to agree or disagree with 10 statements about their relationship with physicians, prescription drugs, alternative medicine, and level of exercise and overall well being.

Key among the findings is that most American adults rely on their physician to recommend drug brands and they go to the doctor regularly for check-ups. And, perhaps surprisingly given the country’s much publicized obesity epidemic, 69% of Americans report that, in general, they feel they “exercise and eat right.”

US Adults Percent Who Agree With Statement Percent

Generic medications are as effective as brand-name prescription drugs 84.5

I rely on my physician to recommend drug brands 75.8

I go to the doctor regularly for check-ups 74.9

If a drug brand works, there’s no need to try another 69.3

In general, I feel I exercise and eat right 69.0

Sometimes, popular drug brands cost more, but I’ll still use them 52.7

Herbal supplements have not been researched enough and may be dangerous 51.3

I prefer alternative medicine to traditional medical practices 35.8

In general, newer drug brands work better than older brands 32.5

I’m often the first to try the most advanced medicines 21.4

Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI) Survey of the American Consumer, Spring 2004

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