What must a pharmacist confirm before selecting a substituted medication?

A pharmacist must confirm that the substituted medication is therapeutically equivalent according to law before making a substitution. This requirement ensures that the new medication will provide the same clinical benefit and therapeutic effect as the original prescribed medication. Therapeutic equivalence means that the two drugs are expected to have the same efficacy and safety profile, allowing the pharmacist to ensure patient safety and the desired health outcomes.

In many states, including Delaware, laws governing pharmacy practice stipulate that substitutions can only occur when the substituted medication meets the criteria for therapeutic equivalence as established by regulatory bodies, such as the FDA’s Orange Book. This regulation safeguards against potential negative health impacts resulting from substituting medications that may differ in their effectiveness or safety.

While cost-effectiveness, the presence of the same active ingredient, and manufacturer considerations are relevant factors in the broader context of medication selection and patient care, they do not replace the essential requirement of ensuring that a substituted medication is therapeutically equivalent according to established laws.