What should a pharmacist do if they receive a prescription that shows the brand name of a drug?

When a pharmacist receives a prescription that specifies a brand name drug, they should assess whether there is an available therapeutic equivalent that is lower in cost and in stock. This approach aligns with the principles of cost-effectiveness and accessibility in medication management. Substituting with a therapeutic equivalent, which has been proven to have the same clinical effect as the brand-name medication, allows for potentially significant savings for the patient and can enhance adherence to the medication regimen.

The pharmacist must be certain that the substitute has the same indications, dosing, and safety profile as the prescribed brand drug, and it is essential that they check state laws and regulations regarding substitution. This practice encourages the broader use of generic medications when appropriate, thus delivering on both patient care and economic efficiency in healthcare.

Other approaches, such as only dispensing the brand name drug, contacting the prescriber for an alternative, or stating that generics are not allowed, do not promote the optimal use of available therapeutics or address patient needs effectively in most situations where a therapeutic equivalent exists. These alternatives do not support the intent of allowing substitutions when clinically appropriate, potentially resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for the patient.