What must the pharmacist inform the patient if a substituted drug is dispensed?

When a pharmacist dispenses a substituted drug, it is essential for them to inform the patient that an equivalent has been dispensed. This communication is built on the principle of ensuring that patients are aware of the nature of the medication they are receiving, particularly when it differs from what was originally prescribed. The use of equivalent medications often occurs when a generic version or a different brand that has been deemed therapeutically equivalent is provided to the patient.

By informing the patient about the substitution, the pharmacist helps foster trust and transparency, which are vital components of patient care. This information allows the patient to understand that although the medication may look different or have a different name, it should provide the same therapeutic effect as the original drug prescribed by their healthcare provider.

In contrast, indicating that the medication is a trial or that the pharmacist is not responsible for it does not fulfill the primary obligation of clear communication regarding the specifics of the medication. Moreover, merely mentioning side effects does not specifically address the substitution aspect, which is fundamental in this context.