What must a licensed practitioner do to prevent substitution of medications?

To prevent substitution of medications, a licensed practitioner must write "no substitution" on the prescription. This specific instruction directly informs the pharmacist that the prescribed medication should not be substituted with a different medication, even if the latter is of lower cost or a generic version. This written directive is vital as it provides a clear legal basis for the pharmacist to ensure that the patient receives exactly what the practitioner has prescribed, which can be crucial for maintaining the efficacy of the treatment and considering the patient's health concerns.

Verbal communication alone does not provide the same level of assurance and accountability as written instructions, making it less effective in avoiding any misunderstandings regarding the prescribed medication. Likewise, notifying the pharmacy at the time of dispensing may not guarantee that the prescription itself is adhered to, particularly if the pharmacist does not recall the verbal instruction once the prescription is brought to them. Additionally, printing a separate document would not constitute part of the prescription itself and could lead to potential oversight or confusion, as it may not be included with the official medication order. Thus, writing "no substitution" directly on the prescription is the most effective and formal method to prevent substitution.