Automatic Therapeutic Substitutions

The Medical Executive Committee has authorized the Department of Pharmacy to automatically substitute certain prescribed non-formulary medications with therapeutically equivalent formulary medications. 

If a prescriber specifically requires the non-formulary medication dispensed, he/she will write “Dispense as written”.  Additionally, the requesting prescriber must complete the

“Request to use Non-Formulary Drug” form with appropriate clinical justification and forward the form to the Department of Pharmacy.

The following Therapeutic Categories have approved Automatic Substitutions:

Analgesics – Narcotic

Analgesics – Non-Steroidal (NSAIDs)

Antacids

Antibiotics:  Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotics:  Penicillins

Antidepressants

Antihistamines, Long-Acting (Non-Sedating)

Antihistamine-Decongestant Combinations, Long-Acting (Non-Sedating)

Beta-2 Agonists (Inhaled Bronchodiltors)

5-HT1 Agonists (Anti-Migraine Agents)

5-HT3 Receptor Blockers (Antinausea Agents)

Hematopoietic Agents:  Red Blood Cell Growth Factors

Hematopoietic Agents:  White Blood Cell Growth Factors

Histamine-2 Receptor Blockers

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (“Statins”)

Insulins

Prostaglandin Analogs, Ophthalmic (Glaucoma Agents)

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Sleep/Hypnotics

Steroids:  Topical Corticosteroids

Vitamins