Under what conditions is therapeutic substitution allowed?

Therapeutic substitution is allowed under specific conditions to ensure that patient safety and clinical efficacy are maintained. The correct response indicates that therapeutic substitution is permissible when a formulary has been established by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and approving medications within a healthcare system or formulary. Having a formulary ensures that any substitutions made are based on clinical evidence, established guidelines, and therapeutic equivalence.

When the formulary is in place, it provides a framework within which healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about substituting one medication for another that has similar therapeutic effects. This helps prevent confusion, minimizes risk, and promotes the use of safe and effective medication options.

In contrast, allowances for therapeutic substitution without a formulary or based solely on a physician's directive could introduce risks of inappropriate medication use, potentially leading to adverse patient outcomes. Therefore, the involvement of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee is critical in establishing a systematic and evidence-based approach to therapeutic substitution.