Recently, ACP has heard concerns about patients receiving a different version of their regular medication. In some cases, this is due to a change in the manufacturer of the medication. In others, it is a change from the brand name medication to the generic version; or from one generic version to another.
Although Schedule 19 of the Health Professions Act gives pharmacists the authority to substitute a brand name medication for a generic version, Standard 8 of the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians indicates that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should clearly identify the medication that is being dispensed or sold to the patient (including noting any changes in the manufacturer), so the patient can decide if they want that particular version of their medication. A good practice is to show the medication to the patient before placing it in the bag.
As a refresher, check out ACP’s YouTube video and refer to the excerpt below from the Standards of Practice.
