This is the text extract for Authority to Substitute letter between prescriber and pharmacist, browse documents here.

AUTHORITY TO SUBSTITUTE

Dear Pharmacist Where I refer in a prescription to a medicine by its trade mark or trade name (brand), or by the name of its manufacturer, I give authority to substitute an alternative brand of the same medicine in the following situations: Sole Supply Products Where PHARMAC has entered into sole supply arrangement for the medicine you may substitute the sole supply brand, except if the patient chooses to pay for the non-sole supply brand. This includes repeat dispensings where the brand I have prescribed is no longer subsidised or is partly subsidised. Other subsidised products Where PHARMAC has listed one or more brands of the medicine on the Pharmaceutical Schedule (and the brand that I have prescribed is not listed or has a Manufacturer’s Price that is greater than the Subsidy) you may substitute with a listed brand, except if the patient specifically requests the brand prescribed. This includes repeat dispensings where the brand I have prescribed is no longer subsidised or is partly subsidised. Exceptions I do not want substitution to occur for the following pharmaceuticals, unless I am contacted verbally in each specific case:

This authority to substitute replaces all previous authorities relating to these particular pharmaceuticals which I may have provided previously. This authority to substitute is valid unless I have indicated on the prescription an instruction not to substitute. This authority is valid whether or not there is a financial implication for the Funder. Please inform my patient that I have authorised substitution. Name: ____________________________ NZMC: ___________ Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________ Authority for the dispensing pharmacist to change a prescribed medicine in this way is contained in regulation 42(4) of the Medicines Regulations 1984 A copy of this letter is available on the PHARMAC website www.pharmac.govt.nz