Author Question: A patient wants to know why a cheaper version of a drug cannot be used when the primary care NP ... (Read 13 times)

Kikoku · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

A patient wants to know why a cheaper version of a drug cannot be used when the primary care NP writes a prescription for a specific brand name of the drug and writes, Dispense as Written.

The NP should explain that a different brand of this drug: a. may cause different adverse effects.
b. does not necessarily have the same therapeutic effect.
c. is likely to be less safe than the brand specified in the prescription.
d. may vary in the amount of drug that reaches the site of action in the body.

Question 2

A patient asks the primary care NP which medication to use for mild to moderate pain. The NP should recommend:

a. APAP.
b. Tylenol.
c. acetaminophen.
d. any over-the-counter pain product.

fraziera112 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Different formulations of the same drug may have varying degrees of bioavailability, and it may be important to stick to a particular brand for drugs with narrow therapeutic ranges. All drugs with similar active ingredients should have the same therapeutic actions and side effects and should be equally safe.

Answer to Question 2

C
Providers should use generic drug names when prescribing drugs or recommending them to patients, unless a particular brand is essential for some reason. Because acetaminophen can have many trade names, it is important for patients to understand that the drug is the same for all to avoid overdosing on acetaminophen. APAP is a commonly used abbreviation but should not be used when recommending the drug to patients.