Final answer:
A pharmacist may not need to inform customers of generically equivalent drugs when prescriptions prohibit substitutions, if instructed by the patient or physician, by law, or in emergencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pharmacist may NOT have the duty to inform a retail customer of the availability of a generically equivalent drug or an interchangeable biological product and the cost difference in cases where:
The prescription specifies that a brand name is medically necessary and prohibits substitution.
The patient or the prescribing physician has instructed that the brand name drug be dispensed.
Laws or regulations provide an exception or specifically restrict the pharmacist from providing such information or making a substitution.
In emergency situations where the time and/or communication barrier does not reasonably allow for such information exchange.
It's crucial for pharmacists to adhere to both professional and legal standards, which dictate when they can offer alternatives to brand-name medications.
It's crucial for pharmacists to adhere to both professional and legal standards, which dictate when they can offer alternatives to brand-name medications.