What must a pharmacist do if a patient wants a brand medication and no DAW (Dispense as Written) is indicated?

When a patient requests a brand medication and there is no DAW (Dispense as Written) indicated by the prescriber, the appropriate action is to contact the prescribing physician for authorization. This is because the absence of a DAW means that the prescriber has not specified that a particular brand should be dispensed, which potentially allows the pharmacist to substitute a generic version. However, if the patient strongly prefers the brand-name product, it's essential to clarify this with the prescriber to ensure proper authorization is obtained for dispensing the brand medication as requested by the patient.

This action helps maintain the legal framework surrounding medication dispensing, as it ensures that the pharmacist respects the prescriber's intent while also honoring the patient's request. It also helps in keeping all parties informed and allows for a transparent medication decision-making process. Communicating with the physician allows for any necessary adjustments or confirmations regarding the patient's treatment plan.