In adjusting a patient’s drug regimen, what must be ensured?

The focus in adjusting a patient's drug regimen is to ensure the safety, efficacy, and legal compliance of any changes made. In this context, only authorized substitutions can be made because they adhere to regulations governing pharmacy practice, insurance policies, and the physician's original intent for the patient's treatment.

Authorized substitutions typically refer to changes in medication that have been sanctioned by the prescriber, ensuring that any drug replaced is therapeutically equivalent to the original prescribed drug. This means that the substituted medication should have the same active ingredients and dosage form as the original, thereby maintaining the expected therapeutic outcomes without compromising patient safety.

Substitutions without proper authorization can lead to a variety of issues, including adverse drug reactions or therapeutic failures. Therefore, the integrity of the patient's treatment plan relies on making adjustments that are officially approved and documented, ensuring a responsible approach to medication management.