A questionnaire survey of patients comparing the usability of brand-name and generic ketoprofen tapes

Since patients who used brand-name and generic ketoprofen (KP) tapes dispensed in the Fukuoka City Pharmaceutical Association Pharmacy complained of a difference in feeling between the two products, we conducted a questionnaire survey in patients using KP tapes to determine the usability of brand-name and generic tapes. Patients receiving the brand-name KP tape (product A) and/or a generic KP tape (product B) in our pharmacy were interviewed concerning 20 items including 1) dosage regimen, 2) outer package, 3) liner, 4) the tape itself, and 5) condition of application sites. A significant difference in usability between products A and B was observed in 4 of the 20 items evaluated, i.e., 1) easiness of opening of the outer pouch, 2) easiness of removing the liner film, 3) condition of the application site after removal of the tape, and 4) relief of pain in the target lesion after application. As suggested by patients who had complained of a difference in usability between products A and B, the participants in the survey tended to prefer the brand-name KP tape to the generic product. The findings of the survey indicate that when a brand-name product is switched to generic products, pharmacists should evaluate the usability of such products carefully to select those that will ensure proper drug use by patients.