What is a therapeutic substitution?

Therapeutic substitution is defined as the practice of replacing a prescribed medication with a different drug that has similar therapeutic effects. This means that the alternative medication will provide the same intended benefits as the original drug but may differ in formulation, cost, or other factors. This practice is often employed to improve patient access to medications, especially when a specific drug is unavailable or when there are cost considerations.

It is important to note that therapeutic substitution requires careful consideration and often prior approval from a healthcare provider to ensure that the substituted medication is appropriate for the patient's specific condition and medical history. Being therapeutically similar implies that the substituted drug will address the same health condition and have a comparable efficacy and safety profile.

The other options presented do not accurately define therapeutic substitution. The substitution of a generic drug for a brand-name drug pertains more to generic substitution, which often involves cost savings rather than therapeutic equivalence. Changing the dosage of prescribed medications does not fall under the definition of substitution but rather involves adjustments to treatment protocols. An intervention to increase patient adherence is a separate concept focused on engaging patients in their treatment plans rather than the substitution of one medication for another.