Your patients compromise their health when they stop taking their medications. But for many, when their pills change shape or color, it worries them, and they quit taking it.
Generic pills come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they make up more than 70 percent of all prescriptions given to patients. They’re the same chemically as their brand-name counterparts, and the FDA requires that generic drugs have the same dosage form, strength, intended use, quality, route of administration, and performance characteristics as their brand-name versions. However, they’re not required to match their brand-name counterparts or each other in terms of physical appearance, including color, size, shape, and markings.
It can be dangerous to stop any medication regimen for many reasons. Yet, many do; and often it’s because of changes to the appearance of their medicine. Here’s why:
- Perception and trust: Some patients may associate certain colors with effectiveness or safety. So, when their pill color changes, they get confused and stop taking it.
- Consistency and routine: Patients get used to their pill shape and color, so when it changes, it disrupts their routine and makes them question if it’s the right medication.
- Psychological impact: Believe it or not, the color of a medication can have psychological effects. Some colors are more soothing or stimulating than others. Red and yellow pills are often seen as more potent or effective, whereas blue and green are seen as calming.
- Adverse reactions: If a patient has had a bad experience with a particular pill color or shape in the past, they will probably be hesitant to take a pill that looks like it.
As their pharmacist, there are things you can do to address issues with your patients wanting to stop their generic medications because of a color or shape change. Emphasize that despite differences in appearance, the active ingredients, efficacy, and safety are the same. Reassure them that changes in their medication’s appearance are often due to different manufacturers, but the effectiveness of the medication has remained unchanged. Make sure to explain the testing and approval process that generic drugs go through to meet the same standards as the brand-name drugs.
Be consistent with messaging about generics in your pharmacy with educational materials. Hang posters, post on social media, and educate patients during consultations. Visual aids are also great for getting the message out. You can use pill identification guides to show patients the differences in appearance between generic and brand-name drugs, and be sure to highlight their chemical equivalence.
You also need to ensure that all your pharmacy staff provide consistent and accurate information about generics, so it reinforces the message and helps build patient confidence.
If a patient is still leery, work with their prescribing doctor to address their concerns. A different generic manufacturer may be a good option if your patient doesn’t feel comfortable with a specific pill’s appearance. It’s good to tailor your approach to each of your patients’ needs. Some just need more reassurance and information than others. And by taking the time to listen and address their concerns, you can greatly improve their adherence.
Commonly Disliked Generics
Generic medications don’t always resemble their brand-name counterparts. This is because of variations in shape and color, which can confuse patients and make them reluctant to take them. The list below are some of the top disliked generic pills:
Atenolol
This often comes in a different color and shape compared to the brand-name Tenormin.
Escitalopram
Generic versions may have a different look from the brand-name Lexapro.
Gabapentin
Generic versions can vary significantly in appearance from the brand-name Neurontin.
Lamotrigine
The generic form can differ in appearance from the brand-name Lamictal.
Lisinopril
The generic form can look different from the brand-name Prinivil or Zestril.
Metformin
Generic versions can differ in color and shape from the brand-name Glucophage.
Omeprazole
The generic form can vary in appearance from the brand-name Prilosec.
Sertraline
Generic versions can look different from the brand-name Zoloft.
These variations can lead patients to question whether they’re taking the correct medication. This can affect adherence to their treatment plan. You can help by educating your patients about these differences and reassuring them about the efficacy and safety of generic medications.
More articles from the December 2024 issue:
- The Power of Unique Endcaps
- Prescription Flavoring
- Beyond Prescription Dispensing
- ADHD Medications
- Phishing Scams
- It’s All in the Packaging
- Whooping Cough on the Rise
- Pill Variations and Non-Adherence
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An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
