Can a pharmacist substitute brand for generic?

Pharmacists can substitute a name-brand drug with a less expensive generic version when dispensing a prescription, depending on state law. Once a generic drug’s bioequivalence is proven, the FDA considers it interchangeable with the brand-name medicine.

Do you have to ask for generic drugs?

No. Generic medications are just as effective as brand-name drugs. According to the FDA, drug makers must prove that generic medications can be substituted for brand-name drugs and offer the same benefits as their brand-name counterparts.

Can I request a specific brand of medication?

Fact: As a patient, you also have the right to ask for the brand-name drug if that’s what you prefer. In the rare case of an inactive ingredient sensitivity, you have options. Your doctor can communicate that no substitutions are allowed or add “Dispense As Written,” or DAW, on your prescription.

How do I get a generic prescription?

If you want to make sure you’re getting generics when possible, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. You can ask your doctor to write a prescription allowing a generic drug product when it’s appropriate.

Can I ask pharmacist for brand name?

You can ask for the brand name medication at the pharmacy when they give you a generic, but they won’t do it. They can’t do it, unless there is a prior authorization** for the medication which specifies that you need to take the brand name of the medication.

Can you request brand name over generic?

Can a doctor require that the patient get a brand-name drug even when a generic exists? YES. By law, the pharmacist has to fill the prescription the way it’s written, so if the doctor writes “Do not substitute,” that will be honored.

Can you switch generics?

Generic substitution can be approved only if safety and efficacy are not compromised. Patient safety and drug efficacy may be unduly compromised by indiscriminate switching to, from, or between generic drugs for patients taking phenytoin or carbamazepine.

Can I ask for name brand instead of generic?

Why cost of generic medicines are cheap?

Once the patent expires, other manufacturers duplicate and market their own versions of the drug. Since the manufacture of these generic drugs do not involve a repeat of the extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy, it costs less to develop them. Generic drugs are, therefore, cheaper.

How do you ask a pharmacy to order a generic drug?

Tell them that you need a specific generic brand and that it is the one that works best for you. Ask them to order it if they do not carry it. If they will not, that’s because they are CHOOSING not to do it for you. After all, pharmacies always are busy doing something.

Should I tell my pharmacist that I’m switching to a different brand?

But yes tell your pharmacist that this new brand really seems to help you and make you feel much better and is there any way they can keep it in stock for you. We did this all the time for customers that preferred the one brand. Remember to do this a head of time to make sure if it is not in stock they have time to get it.

How do you deal with pharmacy that won’t fill a prescription?

I found a way to handle that: Call or go to different pharmacies a couple of weeks at least before you get your prescription written. Tell them that you need a specific generic brand and that it is the one that works best for you. Ask them to order it if they do not carry it.

Do all pharmacies order your preferred brand of prescription drugs?

Any HONEST pharmacist will tell you so. HOWEVER, as I said, not all pharmacies will order your preferred brand. I found a way to handle that: Call or go to different pharmacies a couple of weeks at least before you get your prescription written.