North Carolina News: Item 2144 - Joint Statement from the Board and the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance Concerning Proton Pump Inhibitors

July 1, 2007 3:38 PM

Reprinted from the July 2007 North Carolina Board of Pharmacy Newsletter.

The North Carolina General Assembly mandates pharmacists participating in the Medicaid program to substitute generic drugs for brand-name drugs unless the prescriber indicates “medically necessary” on the face of prescriptions for brand-name drugs. In support of this mandate, the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy and the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance would like to notify pharmacists that prescriptions for brand-name Prilosec^® 40 mg may be substituted with the equivalent dose of generic omeprazole 20 mg.

Pharmacists should consult with their Medicaid patients to inform them that they are receiving an appropriate generically equivalent medication and should also take care to consult with these patients on the appropriate use of the medication.