What must a pharmacist do before substituting a generic drug?

Before substituting a generic drug, a pharmacist is required to inform the patient of the intended substitution. This is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the patient is aware of the change in their medication. The patient has the right to know about the specific medication they are receiving, as well as any differences that may exist between the brand-name drug and its generic counterpart.

Secondly, informing the patient allows for an opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have regarding the substitution, including potential differences in efficacy or side effects. This fosters transparency and builds trust between the pharmacist and the patient, which is essential in maintaining the pharmacist-patient relationship.

While notifying the prescriber may be a good practice in some circumstances, it is not typically a mandatory requirement for all generic substitutions. Checking inventory is a logistical step that can occur after the decision to substitute has been made but does not address the patient's right to be informed. Consulting with other pharmacists may be helpful in some situations but is not a standard procedure before making a substitution. Therefore, informing the patient stands out as a critical step in the ethical and legal practice of pharmacy when it comes to generic drug substitution.