What must be handwritten or electronically printed on the face of a prescription if no generic substitution is allowed?

What must be handwritten or electronically printed on the face of a prescription if no generic substitution is allowed?

• A. Directions for use
• B. Patient's date of birth
• C. Generic name
• D. Brand name

Answer: (D)

The key idea is ensuring the exact product is dispensed when substitutions are not allowed. If the prescriber does not want a generic substituted, the prescription must specify the exact product by its brand name on the face of the order. This clearly tells the pharmacist which product to dispense so no substitution occurs. The directions for use are separate instructions, the patient’s date of birth isn’t related to substitution, and the generic name identifies the active ingredient but does not by itself prevent substitution. Hence, the brand name is the item that must appear to prevent generic substitution.

The key idea is ensuring the exact product is dispensed when substitutions are not allowed. If the prescriber does not want a generic substituted, the prescription must specify the exact product by its brand name on the face of the order. This clearly tells the pharmacist which product to dispense so no substitution occurs. The directions for use are separate instructions, the patient’s date of birth isn’t related to substitution, and the generic name identifies the active ingredient but does not by itself prevent substitution. Hence, the brand name is the item that must appear to prevent generic substitution.