What must prescribers write on a prescription to indicate brand preference?

To indicate brand preference on a prescription, prescribers must include the phrase "Brand medically necessary." This requirement helps ensure that the pharmacist understands that the prescriber has deemed the specific brand of medication critical for the patient's treatment. By including this notation, the prescriber is essentially communicating that substituting a generic version may not be appropriate for the patient's needs, as it could impact the efficacy or safety of the treatment.

Using the phrase "Brand medically necessary" serves as a clear directive for pharmacists and is particularly important in jurisdictions where generic substitution is permitted, ensuring that the intent of the prescriber is respected. This is crucial in maintaining continuity of care and patient safety, as some patients may respond differently to various formulations of a drug.

In contrast, simply writing the brand name or the manufacturer's information does not convey the same level of intent regarding substitution, and may lead to confusion concerning whether a generic alternative is appropriate. Therefore, the specific terminology about the necessity of the brand is important in the context of pharmacy practice and patient care.