What does "Dispense as Written" allow a pharmacist to do?

The phrase "Dispense as Written" specifically instructs a pharmacist to provide the exact medication prescribed by the healthcare provider without substituting any other medication, including generic alternatives. When a prescriber includes this notation on a prescription, it signifies that they believe the specific brand-name drug is necessary for the patient, due to factors such as efficacy, patient tolerance, or potential interactions.

This directive prevents the pharmacist from substituting a different drug, which aligns with patient safety and adherence to the prescriber’s intent. Such decisions may be influenced by the unique needs of the patient, including their previous reactions to the medication or specific health considerations that warrant the use of the prescribed formulation.

The other options imply actions that would not be allowed or relevant under the "Dispense as Written" instruction. For instance, filling a prescription without regard for insurance coverage is not specifically connected to this directive, nor is requiring patient agreement on cost or managing prescription refills for controlled substances.