Generic substitution enables pharmacists to substitute a brand medicine for a generic version, or to switch between generic versions. Products that can be generically substituted are designated on the interchangeable medicine list produced by the HPRA. The HPRA define interchangeable medicines as those medicines that (1) contain the same active ingredient in the same strength, (2) are in the same pharmaceutical form, and (3) have the same route of administration.
Where a prescriber wishes for a medicinal product to be exempt from substitution for clinical reasons, they must write “Do Not Substitute” on the prescription.
If “Do Not Substitute” is not written on the prescription but the patient wishes to purchase the branded medicine, the patient will be required pay the difference between the reference price and the product price when availing of these medicines under any community drug scheme.
This co-payment is in addition to the GMS levy or DPS payment (whichever is applicable).
It is important that if you receive a prescription that you dispense under a community drug scheme and it is indicated by the prescriber to ‘Do Not Substitute’, that you ensure that a copy of this prescription is retained so it can be made available to the PCRS to validate the claim for extra cost arising from the dispensing of the branded medicine.
