South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which statement about patient consent for substituted drugs is true?

1. Consent is required only once per year

2. Post-approval consent is valid for any substitute

3. Patient must consent each time for a substituted drug

4. Verbal consent suffices

The correct answer is: Patient must consent each time for a substituted drug

The requirement for patient consent each time a substituted drug is dispensed is grounded in the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent in the realm of pharmaceuticals. This ensures that patients have ongoing control over their treatment options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their medications at each instance of substitution. In practice, when a pharmacist dispenses a substituted medication—whether due to cost considerations, availability, or therapeutic equivalents—the patient should be made aware of this substitution each time it occurs. This safeguards the patient's right to be informed about their treatment and allows for their preferences to be taken into account with every new prescription or refill, reinforcing the importance of clear communication between patients and healthcare providers. This principle is crucial as medications can have varying effects based on different formulations or manufacturers, and patients may have specific reasons for preferring one medication over another. Ensuring that consent is obtained on each occasion helps maintain trust in the pharmacist-patient relationship and upholds professional standards in pharmacy practice.