Solon to DOH chief: Clarify statements on generic medicines

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros seeks clarification from Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on a statement he made that some generic medicines are not effective and that he avoids prescribing them.

The lady senator also sought Herbosa’s clarification during plenary session Monday, April 29, 2024, on the issue of bioequivalence.

According to Hontiveros, Herbosa claimed that not all generic medicines have the bioequivalence as branded medicines. Bioequivalence refers to the property wherein two drugs with identical active ingredients or two different dosage forms of the same drug possess similar bioavailability and produce the same effect at the site of physiological activity.

Hontiveros pointed out that the issues raised by Herbosa were “the heart and soul of the Generic Law.” She said the health secretary should clarify his statements so as not to discourage Filipinos from using generic drugs.