What does a prescription marked "substitution permitted" allow pharmacists to do?

When a prescription is marked "substitution permitted," it specifically authorizes pharmacists to dispense a generic version of the prescribed medication instead of the brand-name drug. This marking signals to the pharmacist that they have the flexibility to substitute the branded medication with a therapeutically equivalent generic option, which often benefits the patient by being more cost-effective while still delivering the same therapeutic effect.

This practice is aligned with the intent of many states to improve access to medications and reduce costs for patients. Generics must meet the same standards of safety, efficacy, and quality as their brand-name counterparts, making them a reliable substitute.

The other choices do not accurately reflect what "substitution permitted" entails. For instance, the option that states only dispensing the brand name contradicts the very nature of allowing for a substitution. Using a different pharmacy is not directly related to the authority to substitute medications. Lastly, requiring prior approval before dispensing would undermine the pharmacist's discretion afforded by the "substitution permitted" notation, adding an unnecessary step in the process.