When performing a generic substitution, who needs to be informed?

When performing a generic substitution, it is essential to inform both the patient and the prescriber. This practice is crucial to ensure that both parties are aware of the change from brand-name medication to its generic equivalent.

Informing the patient is important because it allows them to understand that they will be receiving a different formulation of their medication, which could affect their expectations regarding efficacy, potential side effects, or any specific concerns about the medication. Patients have a right to be involved in decisions about their healthcare, and providing them with information about their medications empowers them in their treatment plan.

Additionally, notifying the prescriber is necessary because the prescriber may have specific reasons for selecting a particular brand-name drug over the generic. The prescriber may want to monitor the patient's response to the medication and any potential differences in therapeutic outcomes based on the formulation. Keeping the prescriber informed fosters better communication and collaboration in patient care.

The other options do not account for the comprehensive communication that is beneficial in the context of medication management. Failing to inform either party can lead to confusion, lack of adherence to treatment, or potential adverse effects if the replacement medication behaves differently from the prescribed medication. This makes communication a critical component of patient safety and effective pharmacotherapy.