Final answer:
The pharmacist should dispense the brand name drug if it is cheaper than the generic equivalent, unless otherwise specified. Generics are cheaper as they do not bear the original brand's R&D costs and are assured by the FDA to be therapeutically equivalent to their brand counterparts. Stricter FDA regulations safeguard patients but can delay drug availability for those in need of new treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the brand name drug is cheaper than the generic equivalent, the pharmacist should generally dispense the brand name medication, unless there are other factors such as insurance formularies or prescriber specifications that dictate otherwise. Pharmacists are obligated to provide the most cost-effective option for patients unless instructed otherwise by the prescription or patient preference. Generic drugs are typically less expensive due to the absence of the initial R&D costs that the original brand incurs, as well as marketing and promotion expenses.
The FDA ensures that generics are therapeutically equivalent to brand name drugs through an ANDA, confirming their safety and effectiveness. However, in certain cases where generic drug scandals have occurred, the FDA has had to take action against companies for malpractices such as submitting false data for approval.