Can a pharmacy change my generic? (2024)

Can a pharmacy change my generic?

Each state has a law that allows pharmacists to substitute less expensive generic drugs for many brand names. However, if your doctor specifies that a brand name must be dispensed, then the pharmacist may not substitute the generic. Sometimes an acceptable generic is available that your doctor may not be aware of.

Can a pharmacist change my medication?

Can a Pharmacist Change My Dosage? A pharmacist cannot change the dosage of your prescription without talking to your doctor and getting their approval. However, the pharmacist may decide how best to dispense medications.

Can a pharmacist switch medication?

A pharmacist may be able to change your prescription dose, formulation, regimen, or substitute for a similar drug. Pharmacists cannot change prescriptions for narcotics, or controlled or targeted substances.

Can different brands of generic drugs work differently?

Several different companies may make the same generic drug, too, but they might use different filler ingredients. So their medications could have slightly different rates of absorption or cause different side effects. If you're happy with how a generic drug works for you, find out who the manufacturer is.

Do different pharmacies carry different generics?

Because generics look different than brand names, be sure you're taking the right one. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. Different pharmacies carry different generics, and they vary by manufacturer. The bottle should always provide both the generic name and the brand name.

Why is my pharmacy giving me generic?

As a result of this high cost, some people may skip doses or not take a drug at all because they just can't afford it. In this way, generics may be a clear winner. In many states pharmacists are required to provide you with the generic version of the medication, unless your doctor specifies otherwise.

How can I get a prescription refilled without refills?

If you don't have any remaining refills for a prescription, contact your doctor. Your doctor might order some tests or ask to see you before renewing your prescription.

Is it okay to change brand of medicine?

It's best not to keep switching brands, especially if you take several different medicines. For a few people, there may be risks in changing brands, such as having an allergy or intolerance to an inactive ingredient in a different brand of medicine. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

Why do pharmacies keep change manufacturers?

Your pharmacy cheats

Sometimes, he says, pharmacies make drug switches because profit margins are higher on cheaper substitutes. "Pharmacies are directly reimbursed by insurance companies and make more money from generics even though the sticker price for brand-name drugs is higher," says Reneker.

Are all generics interchangeable?

A drug is generic if it is identical or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. The generic drug is meant to be used interchangeably with the innovator's drug product.

What are the disadvantages of generic medicine?

The Cons of Generic Drugs

Medicines can look different: Trademark laws prohibit a generic drug from looking exactly like its brand-name version, so if you've switched to a generic drug, its shape, color or size may be different from what you're accustomed to taking.

Are generic drugs weaker than name brand?

Are generic drugs as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts? YES. Generic products go through an approval process and the FDA ensures they are continually monitored for safety, efficacy, and quality.

Why do generic drugs not work the same?

Generic medicines and brand-name medicines share the same active ingredient, but other characteristics, such as colors and flavorings, that do not affect the performance, safety, or effectiveness of the generic medicine, may be different.

Does it matter what pharmacy you use?

The right pharmacy can make a big difference

While “location, location, location” may be true in the real estate business, that may not be the best approach to choosing a pharmacy — especially if you take medications for long-term or chronic conditions.

Do pharmacies make more money on generics?

A recent study by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner confirms that retail pharmacies profit more when dispensing generic versus brand drugs. Opportunities exist to lower spending on generic drugs—and reduce total health care spending.

What are the two worst blood pressure medications?

Which Blood Pressure Medications Should You Avoid? Certain blood pressure medications can make your blood pressure fluctuate. Alpha-blockers and alpha-2 agonists are not commonly prescribed as first-line treatments, due to this BP variation.

Can I ask for name brand instead of generic?

Fact: As a patient, you also have the right to ask for the brand-name drug if that's what you prefer. In the rare case of an inactive ingredient sensitivity, you have options. Your doctor can communicate that no substitutions are allowed or add “Dispense As Written,” or DAW, on your prescription.

What is the generic drug law?

Generics Act of 1988 (Republic Act No. 6675). An Act to Promote, Require and Ensure the Production of an Adequate Supply, Distribution, Use and Acceptance of Drugs and Medicines Identified by their Generic Names.

Can a pharmacist overrule a doctor's prescription?

Can a pharmacist change prescriptions? In most cases, a pharmacist must follow the doctor's exact prescription, but there are a few exceptions. If the pharmacist finds interactions, dosing instructions, or other factors preventing the medication from working, a change may be necessary.

Can a pharmacist be liable for pharmacy mistakes?

Pharmacists have a legal responsibility to use sound professional judgment and proper care in filling prescriptions. When a pharmacist makes a preventable error due to inattention, carelessness or inexperience that causes a patient harm, the pharmacist may be held liable for the patient's injuries.

What are the consequences of wrong prescriptions?

Administering an incorrect dosage can have serious consequences, including a lack of therapeutic effects or harmful side effects. Failing to provide pain medication to a patient. Failure to administer a prescribed medication can occur due to human error, miscommunication, or distractions.

Do doctors get notified when a prescription is filled?

More often than not, pharmacies will NOT call your doctor unless there is a question or concern about your original prescription or refill. While a call to your doctor may be needed to clear up any issues, it is an extra step that your pharmacist takes and can lead to delays in filling your prescription.

Can a doctor call in a prescription without seeing you?

In some cases, you can get a prescription online without seeing a provider in person. But not all health issues can (or should) be addressed online. Each state also has their own laws about this. They set what can be prescribed without an in-person appointment or an established relationship with a provider.

Why do doctors make you come in for refills?

Most often, though, your doctor may want to reassess and determine whether that is still the best medication to treat your condition. Medication guidelines change and evolve, and a periodic visit is the best way to be sure your treatment is current and safe.

Why did my prescription brand change?

From time to time, you may notice 1 or more of your medications has a new look. Common changes may include a new shape, size or color. This is most likely because we switched you to a new generic medication that works exactly like the brand-name medication you were prescribed.