What action is required if a prescription indicates "DAW"?

When a prescription indicates "DAW," which stands for "Dispense as Written," the pharmacist is required to fulfill the prescription exactly as prescribed without making any substitutions. This instruction signifies that the prescriber wants the brand-name product to be dispensed and does not authorize the pharmacist to substitute it with a generic equivalent.

Understanding the implications of "DAW" is important because it directly affects the medication that a patient receives, as well as potentially impacting the cost to the patient depending on their insurance coverage and the price difference between brand drugs and generics. It’s essential for pharmacists to adhere to this directive to comply with the prescriber's intent and ensure patient safety and satisfaction. This requirement underlines the importance of communication between all parties involved in the medication dispensing process, including the patient, pharmacist, and prescriber.