What should a pharmacist include when substituting a generic medication?

When substituting a generic medication, it is crucial for a pharmacist to provide comprehensive information to ensure proper patient understanding and safety. Including both the drug name and the manufacturer serves several important purposes.

The drug name allows the patient to recognize the medication they are taking and to understand that it is a generic version of a brand-name drug. This helps avoid confusion, especially if the patient has previously been prescribed or familiar with the brand-name medication.

Mentioning the manufacturer adds an additional layer of transparency. It informs the patient about the source of the medication, which can be important for patients who may have preferences or concerns regarding specific manufacturers based on previous experiences, quality perceptions, or product recalls.

Together, these elements ensure that patients are fully informed about their medication, which promotes safety and enhances adherence to their treatment regimen.