Abstract

A PHARMACY & DATABASE SURVEY FOR LOOK ALIKE SOUND ALIKE BRAND NAMES IN INDIAN PHARMA MARKET

Dr. A. Anandhasayanam* and R. Rajamurugan

ABSTRACT

Look alike, sound alike names, packs and designs can be confusing. In healthcare when the entire treatment depends on use of various highly sensitive substances called as medicines, of which some may be counter productive if used without the right reasons. Even with the right reasons, drugs have their own adverse effects or side effects even in therapeutic doses. Many have a very narrow therapeutic index. In India where the dispensing of drugs at retail level, is not a highly regulated/monitored environment, with absence of computerized billing or inventory management systems. At any level of distribution, the look alike sound alike products can be a challenge and in case of an accident, it may cost a life. Many dispensing pharmacists are yet to get the full gravity of this issue. From the manufacturing/marketing company, the intellectual property rights of India, The drug controller general of India, the CDSCO etc., are all involved in the process of the trade of medicines, who share the responsibility equally to avoid accidents with Lookalike sound alike products in healthcare. If the clinicians prescribe with generic names, to some extent the issue can be resolved, But not in full. The change has to start from top regulator the IP India & the DCGI etc, who approve the marketing names of a brand by a marketing company.

Keywords: Look alike, Sound alike, Brand names, Trade mark, Medication error, Dispensing error.