The Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara the’ Malta has been proactive in the recent months in giving its feedback to the Medicines Authority re the publication on an Information Leaflet on Refrence, Generic and Falsified Medicines.
Dr. Patricia Vella Bonanno, CEO, Medicines Authority said that this second leaflet published by the Medicines Authority is part of the set of initiatives to consolidate efforts in providing objective and unbiased information on medicines to health care professionals and to patients.
The leaflet is targeted to the general public and will be distributed in all households in Malta and Gozo. The leaflet will be in both Maltese and English Language and is available on www.knowyourmedicines.gov.mt. A consultation process with stakeholders was carried out and the Authority would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave their feedback. It is believed that this is another step forward to enhancing the safe and rational use of medicines through information which helps health care professionals and patients making informed decisions on the choice and use of medicines.
Healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to visit www.maltamedicineslist.com which provides information on products authorised to be placed on the market in Malta. The website includes information on:
o Therapeutic class;
o WHO Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System
o Active ingredient;
o Product name;
o Pharmaceutical form;
o Classification as prescription only or over the counter medicines (PoM/OTC);
o Authorisation Number in Malta and;
o Authorisation Holder Name and Address.
The leaflet and poster in English and Maltese may be downloaded from the links below:
Medicines Leaflet eng
Medicines Leaflet MT
Medicines Poster
The Kamra ta’ l-Ispizjara encourages all community pharmacists to play a proactive role in explaining and advising patients on the major differences between reference and generic medicines as well as make them aware of the risks and dangers falsified medicines pose to their health and well being. Furthermore, community pharmacists are encouraged to visit the Medicines Authority website for updates on a regular basis. This may be done via the link on our website which may be found at the bottom right hand corner.