1

THE EFFICIENCY OF GENERIC AND BRANDED PARACETAMOL IN TERMS

OF APPROPRIATENESS

KLYD M. EMPERADO
()
MARIA REYNAGIE V. OGUE
oguemariareynagie@gmail.com
WENNABETH C. AMANTE
()
Ayungon Science High School Senior High School-Tampocon II, Ayungon

ABSTRACT

This study entails having the different aspects that affect the branded and
generic paracetamol in terms of appropriateness in Tampocon II, AYungon,
Negros Oriental for the year 2019-2020. The description method was of research
was applied in this study using quantitative analysis, simple percentage,
weighted mean, and Pearson Product-Moment Coefficient of Correlation. Based
on the profile of the respondents, with the majority of63words
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THE EFFICIENCY OF GENERIC AND BRANDED PARACETAMOL IN TERMS

OF APPROPRIATENESS

Age: _20-30 yrs. Old _30-40 yrs. Old _40-50 yrs. Old
_50-60 yrs. Old
Occupation: _Self-Employed _Government Employed
_Non-Government Employed
Directions: Read the items carefully. Put a check to each question that was
supported by follow up questions given. Answer it honestly.

4-Always (A)
3-Often (O)
2-Sometimes(S)
1-Never (N)
I.Purchasability Aspect 4 3 2 1
Often purchase branded paracetamol because:

1. It is most prescribed by doctors.

2. Branded paracetamol is readily available all the time.

3. I don’t trust generic paracetamol.

II.Adequacy Aspect
I prefer to take branded paracetamol because:

1. Acetaminophen/ paracetamol are more effective for fever.

2. Of its popularity.

3. It is applicable to everyone.
 3

III.Applicability Aspect 4 3 2 1
I prefer to take Paracetamolbecause:

1. It is effective for fever.

2. Of its popularity.

3. It is applicable to everyone.

IV.Effectivity Aspect
In terms of effectiveness, I prefer to take Branded paracetamol
because:

1. It is most preferable to take.

2. It is expensive with an instant effect.

3. Generic paracetamol is affordable but has delayed effects.

V.Costliness Aspect
I prefer to take Branded Paracetamol because:

1. It is affordable.

2. It is cheaper and effective.

3. Branded paracetamol are affordable.

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THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem

This research will find out the effectiveness between Branded

Paracetamol drugs to Generic Paracetamol drugs as used by the resident of

Poblacion, Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents as to:

1.1 age;

1.2 occupation; and

1.3 monthly income

2. What is the respondents’ level of the perception of the following aspect:

2.1 purchasability;

2.2 adequacy;

2.3 applicability;

2.4 effectivity and

2.5 costliness

3. Is there a significant relationship among the aforementioned perception on

the profile of the respondents?

 5

Hypothesis

To find out whether or not significant relationships exist within the aspects

of Branded paracetamol and to Generic paracetamol. The Pearson Product

Moment of Correlation was used in this research.

HA: There is significant relationship between the respondent’s income to

the kind of drugs they used.

HO: There is no significance between the profile of the respondents to the

aforementioned aspects.

Significance of the Study

This research aims to benefit the Medical Doctors, Community, Future

Researchers, Pharmaceuticals and the Pharmacology.

Medical Doctors. They will be guided by finding out this research to

continuously upgrade medicines, treat illnesses and remedies to different kinds

of diseases.

Community. This research will provide important information about health

care by knowing the right drugs for the specific medications.

Future Researchers. This study will serve as a springboard for Clinical

researchers to provide affordable and effective medicine that will target certain

diseases.
 6

Pharmaceuticals.  This study will serve as an eye-opener for the

pharmaceuticals to dispense the right medicines and inform other consumers the

right medications to the right healthy lifestyle. 

Pharmacology. The study will work as a pattern for their innovations and

developments to produce effective and quality medicines using state of the act

facilities yet affordable to the consumers.

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CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Nowadays, worldwide has a lot of medication of different kinds of drug.

Many people are concerned because Generic drugs are substantially cheaper

than the Branded drugs. They wonder if the quality and effectiveness have been

compromised to make less expensive products.

1
As stated by Gupta R. et. al. (2019), the cost of prescription drugs in the

United States continues to be a source of concern for patients, caregivers, and

policy makers.This has been among the highest in the world that US is more

efficiently studied about. Some medications that are used as treatment requires a

lot of money. A lot of country is evidently having an absence of its effectivity and

differences of Branded and Generic drugs.

2
However, there are concerns over the efficacy and equivalence of

Generic drugs compared to Branded drugs related to bioequivalence issues,

failure of drug therapy and emergence of adverse events (Atif 2016)

3
In Malaysia, where there is no Medicine Price Control Policy, it is not

known if pharmacy profits differ between Generic and Branded medicines”.

(Ahmad N. et. al. 2017) The vicinity in Malaysia has this policy that doesn’t

consoles other medicines either branded or generic drugs and it is fruitful to the

consumers.
 8

4
Time and again the importance of generic prescribing has been

emphasized, primarily to reduce the cost of drugs (Mukherjee, 2013). There are

two concepts to be understood here, one is generic vs. patented drugs and the

other is a drug's “brand name” vs. “non-proprietary name” or “generic name.”

Although, the article talks about the Indian scenario but it can be extrapolated to

other countries also.

5
Non-proprietary name is the name for the active ingredient in the

medicine that is decided by an expert committee and is understood

internationally (WHO, 2013). Thus, paracetamol/acetaminophen is the non-

proprietary name (generic name) while Crocin/Metacin/Meftal/Tylenol etc. are

brand names.

6
It is a well-known fact that generic drugs are “drugs that are usually

intended to be interchangeable with an innovator product that is manufactured

without a license from the innovator company and marketed after the expiry date

of the patent or other exclusive rights” (WHO, 2013) The good quality

bioequivalence studies will help to ensure the safety, efficacy, and potency of a

generic drug. When it is said that doctors should prescribe generic drugs, it

means that they should prescribe drugs manufactured by other companies after

the expiry of the patent of the parent drug of the innovator company. Very often,

generic prescribing is misconceived as prescribed by a drug's generic name or

non-proprietary name. All generic drugs have a brand name as well as a non-

proprietary name but all drugs having a non-proprietary name (generic name)

may not be generic drugs.

 9

The patent for paracetamol expired in 2007 after which numerous generic

versions have been developed and sold under various “brand names.” If one

were to prescribe it only by the name “paracetamol” (generic name), it is up to

the pharmacist to select and dispense a particular brand, which may either be the

costliest brand at ₹ 3.64 (0.06 $) per 500 mg tablet or it could be the cheapest

brand at ₹ 0.22 (0.004 $) per 500 mg tablet or somewhere in between

(MedGuide India, 2013). A simpler and better alternative for cost reduction would

be to prescribe the cheapest “brand” of paracetamol.

7
This may not be applicable in government drug stores where usually only

a single brand of a particular drug is available. In this case, prescribing by

generic names is justified because if brand names are used and that particular

brand is not available in the drug store, the pharmacist will have to refer drug

indexes like CIMS etc. (CIMS—Current Index of Medical Specialties) to find out

the ingredient and then dispense from the available stock. It is another way to

give the customers needs, the drugstore will provide the medicine that is efficient

to their health. This will lead to waste of time and may also lead to errors in case

the wrong drug ingredient is dispensed (Cameron et al., 2012)

8
In other countries like the United States of America or the United

Kingdom, community pharmacists play an important role in dispensing medicines

and hence their cost awareness becomes crucial. But in India, the concept of

community pharmacists doesn't exist and hence the onus for cost reduction, from

the point of view of drug selection, lies with the doctors. Although, when

prescribing the cheapest brand of the drug and include the generic name of the
 10

drug in parenthesis, in case that particular brand is not available. With this, the

doctor/physician will know what to purchase and its cost through various brands

in a particular drug. It may sound time consuming but in today's internet age,

such information is just a click away (MedGuide India, 2013).

Some of the patients misinterpreted the two kinds of drugs. Although the

active ingredients are the same the excipients (inactive ingredients) may differ.

These drugs may have reactions that an illness could actually cure or not.

9
The lack of knowledge is the main barrier for attitudes of doctors. Health

professionals play the most influential role for the substitution of a branded drugs

by a generic, followed by the cost of the generic. (Skatlas 2015)

10
The generic name is the one doctors are trained to use.(Sambrook 2019)

11
Buying such medicine like paracetamol, there will always a difference in

pricing in terms of its brands. Use of generic medicines has been increasing in

recent years primarily as a cost saving measure in health care provision (et. al.

Dunnes S. 2013).

Philippines are concentrated in making generic medicine because of its

costliness and purchasability but unfortunately. The effectiveness of its drugs has

a big difference when it taken.

Some of the Filipinos are tend to self-medicate and over-counter drugs are

one of the drugs that may their life in danger. These drugs are usually available

in sari-sari stores. This will be intended to over dose when its not properly in use.
 11

12
Branding of a tablet appears to have conferred a treatment benefit in the

absence of an active ingredient while Generic labeled tablets were substantially

less effective if they contained no active ingredients (et. al. Fassek 2016).

Generic dugs are also called “innovator drugs”, initially marketed as new

chemical entities while Generic drugs are copies of Branded drugs. Although the

active ingredient is the same the excipients may differ. This is only important in

rare cases when a patient has an allergy or sensitivity to one of the excipients.

Some pharmacist does not give directly those medicine that may contains

allergic reaction or having active substances like the antibiotics they sell only if

the customers has the same recent and valid doctor’s prescription.

The researchers will conduct their study in Poblacion, Ayungon, Negros

Oriental. The residence shall response about Branded and Generic drugs as to

its effectiveness to common colds and illnesses.

 12

Theoretical Background

“Generics Act of 1988” is to promote, encourage and require the use of

generic terminology in the importation, manufacture, distribution, marketing,

advertising and promotion, prescription and dispensing of drugs.

The Republic Act of 9502 "Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality

Medicines Act of 2008" It is the policy of the State to protect public health and,

when the public interest or circumstances of extreme urgency so require, it shall

adopt appropriate industries to promote and ensure access to affordable quality

drugs and medicines for all.

8
According to Bolos 2017, despite the affordability of these medicines, it

contains the same active ingredients and therefore products provided that they

have passed the safety and quality requirements of the Philippines Food and

Drugs Administration (FDA). Aside from the safety of the consumers, the drugs

should be passed the FDA approved after releasing the product to the market.

The people in an area should be aware in detecting FDA approved Branded

paracetamol drugs and Generics paracetamol drugs.

The availability and utilization of generic alternatives to branded-name

drugs have a significant effect on cost savings for health care consumers. The

generic drugs accounted for more than 63% of total prescriptions filled in the

United States. Although generics are used to fill the majority of prescriptions, the

actual costs associated with these medications are less than 13% compared to

their branded counterparts. While direct cost savings are a significant advantage
 13

for generic drug products, studies have also shown improvements in indirect

costs such as therapy adherence and compliance. Despite the benefits

associated with the use of a more cost-effective drug. the generic industry has its

shared challenges. It is important to examine the modest history of generic drug

products and review the approval process. Furthermore, There are several

aspects that could affect their perceptions towards Branded and Generic Drugs;

purchasability, Adequacy, applicability, effectivity, and costliness. In

purchasability, drugs may purchase whether have or haven’t prescription

The comparison of these two products in terms of their purchasability and

uses is that generic drugs are copies of brand-name drugs known for, and they

have the same dosage, intended uses, effects, risks, safety and strength as the

original drugs. In other words, their pharmacological effects are the same as

those of their brand-name counterparts.

Many people become concerned because generic drugs are often

substantially cheaper than the brand-name versions. They wonder if the quality

and effectiveness have been compromised to make less expensive products.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires that generic drugs be as safe

and effective as brand-name drugs.

Moreover, generic drugs are only cheaper because the manufacturers

have not had the expenses of developing and marketing a new drug. When a

company brings a new drug onto the market, the firm has already spent

substantial money on research, development, marketing, and promotion of the

 14

drug. A patent is granted that gives the company that developed the drug an

exclusive right to sell the drug as long as the patent is in effect.

As the patent nears expiration, manufacturers can apply to the FDA for

permission to make and sell generic versions of the drug; and without the startup

costs for development of the drug, other companies can afford to make and sell it

more cheaply. When multiple companies begin producing and selling a drug, the

competition among them can also drive the price down even further.

Generic drugs are not manufactured in poorer-quality facilities or are

inferior in quality to brand name drugs. The FDA applies the same standards for

all drug manufacturing facilities, and many companies manufacture both brand-

name and generic drugs. The FDA estimates that 50% of generic drug

production is by brand-name companies.

Another common misbelief is that generic drugs take longer to work. The

FDA requires that generic drugs work as fast and as effectively as the original

brand-name products.

Paracetamol is widely prescribed for mild to moderate pain and pyrexia. It

is available as a single ingredient and also in combination with opiate analgesics

such as codeine and dihydrocodeine. The recommended dose of paracetamol for

adults is 0.5 to 1 g every 4–6 h to a maximum of 4 g in a given 24-h period

  Miners et al.showed that after administering a single oral dose of 1 g of

paracetamol the total clearance and clearance by glucuronidation did not change

with age although there was a reduction in clearance by sulphation and renal
 15

clearance. Using a single intravenous dose of 500 mg of paracetamol, Wynne et

al. showed paracetamol clearance to decrease with age and frailty.

Paracetamol can treat any illnesses like headache, pain with

menstruation, pain and fever. Paracetamol when taken within therapeutic levels

have low incidence of side effects. Skin rashes or minor gastrointestinal

disturbances have been reported. Paracetamol very rarely aggravates

bronchospasm in patients who are sensitive to aspirin and other nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs. Although paracetamol does not normally produce

methemoglobinemia or hemolysis even after overdosage or in patients with

glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, there have been isolated

reports of these complications.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen), normally a very safe drug, may produce

acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis when taken in overdosage. There are no

specific early symptoms or signs of paracetamol poisoning and consciousness is

not impaired. Plasma aminotransferase (AST or ALT) activity may increase

dramatically to 10,000 iu/L or more with prolongation of the prothrombin time

ratio and mild jaundice.

Acute renal failure is an uncommon complication. Maximum abnormalities

of liver function are delayed for at least 3 days, and initially the prognosis can

only be determined by estimation of the plasma paracetamol concentration in

relation to the time after ingestion.( Boyd, E.M. and Bereczky, G.M., 2016)
 16

The Kefauver-Harris Drug Amendments also required all manufacturers of

related products to submit an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for

products manufactured between 1938 and 1962. ANDAs contained information

similar to that found in a pioneer drug application, with the exception of safety

and efficacy. After 1962, the FDA established a new mechanism of proving

safety and efficacy by allowing the "literature-based" New Drug Application. This

meant that submission of published data regarding a branded product's safety

and efficacy by a generic product's manufacturer was permitted.

Over the next several years, the Kefauver-Harris Drug Amendments were

challenged, most notably in Upjohn v. Finch in 1970, in which the courts upheld

the amendments by ruling that evidence of drug safety and efficacy cannot be

substantiated by commercial success alone. (Meyer GF, 2018)

 17
BRANDED DRUGS REPUBLIC ACT No.
GENERIC DRUGS 
 REPUBLIC ACT No. 6675
9502 "Universally Accessible
"Generics Act of 1988."
Cheaper and Quality
 REPUBLIC ACT No.
Medicines Act of 2008".
9502 "Universally Accessible
 REPUBLIC ACT No. 6675
Cheaper and Quality
"Generics Act of 1988."
Medicines Act of 2008".

Respondents

Aspects

 Purchasability

 Adequacy

 Applicability

 Effectivity and

 Costliness

Tabulated Results

Summary/Conclusion
 18

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Method

The researcher will use the descriptive method survey of research in

collecting the indispensable data through the use of questionnaires as the main

instrument of this study. The instrument was adopted from the complimentary

method of structural interviews consisting of several questions, which where

Branded drugs or Generic drugs are applicable and efficient. The researchers

also make a triangulation that allows approaching the research objectives from

different viewpoints.

Flow of the Study

The variables were conscientiously analyzed by the researcher using the

quantitative treatment of database on suitable statistical measures as designate

in the schema.

The study will find out what was formulated based on the findings of the

study to address the knowledge and consciousness in the said Barangay. The

output was accouterments towards the perception of knowledge of the people

specifically those people don't know what they want to engage in different types

of medicines.
 19

INPUT PROCESS
Profile of the
Repondents
Descriptive Method of
 Age
 Occupation Research
 Monthly Income
Level of Perception of Data gathering
the following aspects:
 Purchasability Tabulation

 Adequacy Likert Scale

 Applicability
Pearson product
 Effectivity moment correlation

 Costliness

Is there a significant

relationship among the

aforementioned

perception on the profile

Figure 2. Flow of the Study

 20

Environment
This study will be conducted at Tampocon II Ayungon where there are

46,303 population with 28, 163 hectares at Tampocon II, Ayungon Negros

Oriental. The barangay is situated at approximately 9.8554, 123.1427, on the

island of Negros. Elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 12.0 meters or

39.4 feet above mean sea level.

The stated barangay has a 1,439 population with a total of 500

households and particularly with the ages from 20-60 years above.
 21

Respondents
The respondents of this study are the ages 20-60 and above, all are

bonafide of Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental who has been taken

Paracetamol drugs out of 200 estimated population of paracetamol users, the

researcher took a half of the population which is 100. The purposive sampling of

fifty-percent individuals were used in this study. The respondents were

determined as shown in the table below.

Table 1

Respondents of Study

Ages from: Estimated Purposive Percentage

Population who use Sample

paracetamol:

20-30 yrs. old 30 15 30%

30-40 yrs. old 15 7.5 15%

40-50 yrs. old 25 12.5 25%

50-60 yrs. old 30 15 30%

Total 100 50 100%

 22

As viewed in the table, the population of Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros

Oriental have a total of 1,439 from the ages of 20-60 yrs. old respondents. Using

purposive sampling, the researchers will determine the ages of 20-60 yrs. old.

With a total of 100 respondents, 20% of the population of Tampocon II, Ayungon

Negros Oriental.

Instrument

The researchers will be using a questionnaire in gathering the data. The

population of Tampocon II will be the respondents of this study to obtain results

to the Branded drugs compared to Generic drugs with selected variables.

Instrument Validation

The researchers prepare a draft of the instrument and the researcher’s

teacher checked it. This is for further suggestions, corrections, comments,

clarifications and addition of words; the first drafts were distributed to the people

of Tiguib, Ayungon Negros Oriental.

After retrieving the drafts, revisions made and ready for the pilot testing.

The people of Barangay Tiguib, Ayungon, Negros Oriental were the pilot testing

will takes place.

There are 50 randomly respondents answered the questionnaire for pilot

testing. After gathering all the questionnaires, corrections, revisions by the

researchers with their teacher to check the validation and proofread the test

questionnaires.
 23

Data Gathering
The researcher made the required preparations for gathering the needed

data.

First, the researchers wrote the letter and sent towards requesting

permission from the office of the Barangay Tampocon II, captain Aurthoro

Carinal, where the research took place definitely in the place of Tampocon II,

Ayungon Negros Oriental.

The researchers made the actual distribution of the copies of the

questionnaire on January 9, 2020. Lastly, the researchers collect all the answer

of the respondents and interpret.

Treatment of Data
To acquire quantitative results as bases in interpreting the data gathering,

statistical measures were used.

1. To obtain the profile of the respondents. Simple Percentage. To get the

percentage, the frequency of branded drugs and generic drugs was divided

by the number of ages, multiplied by 100.

2. To determine the aspects that affected the respondents' level of perception

towards the appropriateness of branded and generic paracetamol, the

weighted mean was used.

Weighted mean. To obtain the weighted mean of the respondents, the

sum of the products of

 24

Pearson Product-Moment Coefficient of Correlation was utilized in

evaluating the coefficient of correlation for each aspect.

Scoring Procedures

The four-point Likert Scale was utilized in the scoring procedure. The

parametric scales and their corresponding description are shown below.

Weighted Value Interpretation

Scales Description

Always

Often

Sometimes

Never
 25

DEFINITION OF TERMS
To have a vivid knowledge of the words that are used in the study.

Excipients - is a substance formulated alongside the active ingredient of

a medication, included for long-term stabilization, bulking up solid formulations

that contain potent active ingredients in small amounts (thus often referred to as

"bulking agents", "fillers", or "diluents").

Pyrexia - raised body temperature; fever.

Analgesics - or painkiller is any member of the group of drugs used to

achieve analgesia, relief from pain. They are distinct from anesthetics, which

temporarily affect, and in some instances, eliminate, sensation.

Codeine - is a prescription pain medication used to treat mild to moderate

pain. It comes in tablet form and as the main ingredient in prescription-grade

cough suppressants. Tylenol 3, another popular pain reliever, combined with

acetaminophen.

Dihydrocodeine - is an opioid analgesic used as an alternative or adjunct

to codeine to treat moderate to severe pain, severe dyspnea, and cough.

Glucuronidation - is a phase II biotransformation reaction in

which glucuronide acts as a conjugation molecule and binds to a substrate via

the catalysis of glucuronosyltransferases. First, in a series of reactions the

cosubstrate uridine diphosphate glucuronic acid (UDPGA) is formed.

 26

Bronchospasm - is a tightening of the muscles that line the airways

(bronchi) in your lungs.It contributes to asthma symptoms like wheezing and

shortness of breath.

Methemoglobinemia - is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount

of methemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells

(RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body.

Hemolysis - is the destruction of red blood cells that can occur due to

different causes and leads to the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream.

Dehydration - is a condition that can occur when the loss of body fluids,

mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.

Effectivity -the quality of being able to bring about an effect

Costliness - the fact of being expensive or too expensive.

Applicability - the quality of being relevant or appropriate.

Adequacy - the state or quality of being adequate.

Pharmaceutical - relating to medicinal drugs, or their preparation, use, or

sale.
 LEGEND

TAMPOCON II
27
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Chapter 2

PRESENTATION, DATA ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter presents the results of the data gathered. It includes the

demographics of the respondents and the rest variables, as indicated in the

statement of the problem.

PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS

 This portion shows the profile of the respondents, their personal and

salary reports on the parts where it is considered to the study.

Age 

This portion of the study looks into the respondents' Age. The Age is

considered as the level of advancement and bodily growth of a person in an

existence. There are 4 four divided categories under the age which are: 20 to 30

years old, 30 to 40 years old, 40 to 50 years old and 50 to 60 years old. 

Monthly income and Occupation

 The monthly income is the capital that they earn or receive from their

occupation to sustain their financial needs which meet their demands in time.

The occupation is a job for an individual's income. Through it able to meet the

desired needs of life.

 29

Table 2
Profile of the Respondents
(N=100)

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
VARIABLES

AGE

20-30 30 30%

30-40 16 16%

40-50 24 24%

50-60 30 30%

TOTAL 100 100%

MONTHLY INCOME

0-10K 80 80%

11-30K 16 16%

40K 4 4%

TOTAL 100 100%

OCCUPATION

SELF-EMPLOYED 48 48%

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYED 24 24%

NON-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYED 28 28%

TOTAL 100 100%

 30

As can be shown from Table 2, the majority of the respondents were from

20 years old to 30 years old with a recurrence of 30 or 30%. While there were

16% respondents with the age of 30 years old to 40 years old, 40 years old to 50

years old with a percentage of 24 and get a frequency of 24, besides, aging 50

years old to 60 years old has a frequency of 30 with a percentage of 30%. Two

(2) items from the profile of the respondents under ages 20-60 years old have the

same calculated frequency and percentage. The general average of the

frequency is 100 with a percentage of 100% under the ages of 20-60 years old of

100 respondents.

Regarding the monthly income, ranging from 0 -10,000 pesos which are

80 percent with a frequency of 80, 11,000 -30,000 pesos with a frequency of 16

and a 16%, 40,000 pesos with a frequency of 4 or a percentage of 4% with a

total of 100 respondents as for their monthly income.

However, the occupation states to have a frequency of 48 with a

percentage of 48 under self-employed, while government-employed, as shown in

the table 2, has a frequency of 24 or 24%, next to the non-government employed

which had a frequency of 28 or a percentage of 28, a total of the 100

respondents as for their occupation.

These data that were collected was associated with the level of the

perception of the respondents in Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental to the

appropriateness of branded and generic paracetamol drugs through its aspects.

 31

RESPONDENTS’ LEVEL OF PERCEPTION ON THE ASPECTS TO THE

APPROPRIATENESS OF BRANDED AND GENERIC
PARACETAMOL DRUGS

Some aspects, affect the level of perception of the respondents, at

Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental. These aspects can be considered to

measure their observation in choosing branded or generic paracetamol.

There are many aspects to consider, how appropriate are these drugs. As

the questionnaire distributed by the researchers, they showed two (2) kinds of

paracetamol drugs; one is Biogesic paracetamol which costs 6 pesos each, that

is a branded drug, while Flugard paracetamol which only costs 1 peso each, that

is a generic drug.

Furthermore, by assessing them respectively, the respondents can easily

identify what drugs they must buy, intake or maintain. The following aspects that

the respondents would affect their perception among the two drugs are the

following: Aspect of purchasability, Aspect of adequacy, Aspect of effectivity, and

Aspect of costliness which was accounted for the study.

Each table obtains, the aspects as to the level of the perception and

appropriateness of branded and generic paracetamol drugs, which are listed,

where the Weighted Mean, and Description can be seen. Their ranges were

based on the results found on Table 2 for the validity of the data presented.
 32

Purchasability Aspect

The aspect of the drugs that influence the respondents’ action on a certain

brand on what they choose to purchase.

Table 3.
Purchasability Aspects affecting the respondents Appropriateness of
Branded and Generic Paracetamol.
(N=100)

ASPECTS WEIGHTED MEAN DESCRIPTION

I often purchase branded

paracetamol because:

 It is most prescribed by 4 ALWAYS

doctors.

 Branded paracetamol is 3.56 ALWAYS

readily available all the
time.

 I don’t trust generic 3.2 OFTEN

paracetamol.

AVERAGE 4 ALWAYS

Ranges: 3.50 – 4.00 Always (A), 2.50 – 3.49 Often (O), 1.50 - 2.49 Sometimes (S), 1.00 – 1.49
Never (N).
 33

As shown in Table 3, two (2) out of three (3) items got the ratings of

Always. These items were their perception on the aspects of purchasability of

the drugs they intake, specifically “It is most prescribed by doctors”, followed by "

Branded paracetamol is readily available all the time." had weighted mean of 4

and 3.56 respectively. These data implicate that the people were greatly affected

in the table shown, as they prefer Branded paracetamol. Only (1) one item, “I

don’t trust generic paracetamol.” had a weighted mean of 3.12 with descriptive

rating of Often.

The data also revealed that most of the respondents out of 100 were not

able to take generic paracetamol because they don’t trust generic paracetamol

which is evident in the descriptive rating which is Often.

Generally, the weighted mean acquired for the three (3) items under the

aspects of purchasability was four (4) equivalent to Always. Basically, this rating

showed that most of the respondents of Tampocon II positively chose the

aforementioned items.
 34

Adequacy Aspect

This aspect is one of the characteristics of paracetamol wherein it

develops satisfaction, full sufficiency, and suitability.

Table 5
Adequacy Aspect Affecting the Respondents Appropriateness of Branded
and Generic Paracetamol Drug
(N=100)

ASPECTS WEIGHTED MEAN DESCRIPTIONS

I prefer to take branded

paracetamol because:

 Acetaminophen/ 3.68 ALWAYS

paracetamol is more
effective for fever.

 Of its popularity. 3.68 ALWAYS

 It is applicable to everyone. 3.54 ALWAYS

AVERAGE 3.63 ALWAYS

 35

The data on the responses of the residents of Tampocon II, Ayungon,

Negros Oriental, on the aspect of adequacy of the paracetamol drugs shows that:

three (3) out of the three (3) items has description of Always, with weighted

mean ranges from 3.68 to 3.54. Two (2) items got the same weighted mean,

3.68. The average rating under this is 3.63, with the description of Always.
 36

Applicability Aspect

The aspects vary the capability of paracetamol drug while the prescription

is suited for illnesses. This table mentions how paracetamol is appropriate to

everyone.

Table 5
Applicability Aspect Affecting the Respondents Appropriateness of
Branded & Generic Paracetamol Drug
(N=100)

ASPECTS WEIGHTED MEAN DESCRIPTIONS

I take branded paracetamol

when I have fever because:

 It is safe to take them than 3.68 ALWAYS

generic drugs.

 It is expensive. 3.68 ALWAYS

 It agrees to everyone. 3.54 ALWAYS

AVERAGE 3.63 ALWAYS

 37

The data above shows the result of the responses of the respondents of

Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, on the aspect of Applicability of the

Paracetamol drugs. The result shows that: three (3) out of the three (3) items has

a description of Always with weighted mean ranges from 3.68 to 3.54. Two (2)

items got the same weighted mean with 3.68. The total average under the Aspect

of Applicability is 3.63 the description of Always.

 38

Effectivity Aspect

These aspects defined as successful in producing a desired effect which a

drug achieves its intended result. Whereas these can be evaluated through real

practice.

Table 6
Effectivity Aspect Affecting the Respondents Appropriateness of Branded
and Generic Paracetamol Drug
(N=100)

ASPECTS WEIGHTED DESCRIPTIONS

MEAN

In terms of effectiveness, I
choose to take paracetamol
because:

 It is most preferable to take. 4 ALWAYS

 It is expensive with an 3.74 ALWAYS

instant effect.

 Generic paracetamol is 2.92 OFTEN

affordable but has delayed
effects.

AVERAGE 3.55 ALWAYS

 39

The data above shows the result of the responses of the respondents of

Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on the aspect of Effectivity of the

Paracetamol drugs. The result shows that: two (2) out of three (3) items has the

description of Always with weighted mean ranges to 4 and 3.74, one (1) item

took the weighted mean of 2.92 with the description of Often. The general

average under Aspect of Effectivity is 3.55, with the general description result

of Always.
 40

Costliness Aspect

These aspects define the quality possessed by the paracetamol drugs with

a high price or value.

Table 7
Costliness Aspect Affecting the Respondents Appropriateness of Branded
and Generic Paracetamol Drug
N=100

ASPECTS WEIGHTED MEAN DESCRIPTION

I take paracetamol when

it is prescribed by the
doctors because:

3.9 ALWAYS
 It is effective.

 It is cheaper. 3.14 OFTEN

 All paracetamol 3.08 OFTEN

prescribed by
doctors are costly
effective

AVERAGE 3.4 OFTEN

 41

The data shows the results on the responses of the Tampocon II,

Ayungon, Negros Oriental on the aspect of effectivity of the Paracetamol drugs.

The result shows that: two (2) out of three (3) items got the rating of Often, with

weighted mean of 3.08 and 3.14, one (1) item got the description of Always with

a weighted mean of 3.9. The total average under the Aspect of Costliness is 3.44

with a general description, often.

 42

Summary on the Aforementioned Aspects of the Efficiency of

Branded and Generic Paracetamol

Table 8 shows the summary of data on the aspects that had gone under
the study.
Table 8.
Summary on the Aforementioned Aspects of the Efficiency of
Branded and Generic Paracetamol
(N=100)

ASPECTS WEIGHTED DESCRIPTION RANK

MEAN

Purchasability 4 ALWAYS 1

Applicability 3.63 ALWAYS 2

Effectivity 3.55 ALWAYS 3

Adequacy 3.45 OFTEN 4

Costliness 3.4 OFTEN 5

Average 3.61 ALWAYS

 43

As can be seen in the table, three (3) aspects gain the weighted means of

4, 3.63, and 3.55 with the same description of Always. The aspects of adequacy

and costliness tied up their description often, with different weighted means of

3.45 and 3,4. As the table projected, all aspects get the total weighted mean

average of 3.61 with the description always.

Ostensively, there are factors or aspects that affecting the respondents

perception in terms of the appropriateness of branded and generic paracetamol.

These are four (4) aspects, Aspect of purchasability, Aspect of Adequacy, Aspect

of Applicability, Aspect of Effectivity and Aspect Costliness that can be

considered as Appropriate Paracetamol drug in Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros

Oriental.
 44

Chapter 3

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

           This chapter exhibits the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of

the study. The flow of the discussion is based on the different aspects considered

in this study.

           This study evaluates the 

aspects that affected the consumers’ perspective in choosing branded or generic

paracetamol at Tampocon II Ayungon, Negros Oriental during the year 2019-

2020.

FINDINGS

           Based on the profile of the respondents, majority of the consumer were in

the age bracket of 20-30 and 50-60 years old got the same percentage which is

30 percent with the frequency of 80 or 80 percent, most respondents had a

combined monthly income of 0-10,000, and 24 out of 100 respondents or 24

percent are government employed in Tampocon II. 

           As regards to the aspects affecting the perspective of the consumer in

Tampocon II, the Purchasability Aspect got a weighted mean of 4 and with the

descriptive rating of Always. Next was the Effectivity Aspect with a weighted

mean of 3.55 or Always. Costliness Aspect had 3.4 with a descriptive rating

 45

of Often, while Adequacy Aspect and Applicability Aspect had the same

weighted mean of 3.63 with the descriptive rating of Always.

Comprehensively, the general weighted mean obtained was 3.61,

equivalent to ALWAYS.

The result shows that whether or not there were significant relationships, it

was found out that all of the five aspects showed significant relationships with the

appropriateness of paracetamol.

With regards to the significant relationship in terms of appropriateness of

branded or generic paracetamol and the consumers' monthly income, the result

withstands positively.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumers’ perspective attribution in choosing paracetamol either

branded or generic paracetamol was affected along with the aspects of

purchasability, effectivity, adequacy, applicability, costliness, as well as the

monthly income and occupation of individuals. Some consumers must preferably

choose branded paracetamol because it has an instant effect and prescribed by

the doctors, whereas compared to generic paracetamol that is effective although

but has delayed effects. (The aforementioned aspects has a great effect to the…

moderately?)
 46

RECOMMENDATION

The fact that most of the respondents had a very high perspective

contribution in choosing branded paracetamol, whereas generic paracetamol

also used to treat pain and fever. This development has been designed for the

equality of the two paracetamol not just in high pricing but with the appearances

and capability of the two paracetamol drugs.

 47

APPENDIX A
Permission Letter
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Negros Oriental
District of Ayungon
Tampocon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental

January 09, 2020

Honorable ARTHURO CARINAL
Barangay Captain of Tampocon II

Sir:

We are the students of Ayungon Science High School- Senior High School will
conduct a study entitled; "Branded Drugs compared to Generic Drugs". This is in
partial fulfillment of the requirements in Grade 12 Senior High School, Research.

In connection to this, we would like to ask your permission from your barangay to
conduct a survey that will help our study to 176 randomly selected individuals
from the population of Tampocon II, with the age of 20-60 years old and above
residents.

We are hoping for your kind consideration. Thank you and God bless.

Respectfully yours,

Maria Reynagie V. Ogue Approved by:

The Researcher

Klyd M. Emperado
The Researcher
ARTHURO CARINAL
Barangay Captain of Tampocon II
Wennabeth C. Amante
The Researcher