Wyoming MPJE (Pharmacy Jurisprudence) Practice Exam

What is the difference between therapeutic equivalent and therapeutic substitution?

1. Equivalent always implies identical composition, while substitution involves drugs within the same subclass

2. Equivalent indicates identical composition, while substitution involves drugs within the same class but not identical

3. Substitution means identical, whereas equivalent means within the same class

4. Therapeutic equivalent is always generic, while substitution is the brand name

The correct answer is: Equivalent indicates identical composition, while substitution involves drugs within the same class but not identical

The correct answer is B. In pharmacy terminology, therapeutic equivalent refers to drugs that have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration, while therapeutic substitution involves substituting one drug for another within the same pharmacological class. In this context, therapeutic equivalent indicates identical composition, whereas therapeutic substitution involves drugs within the same class but they may not be identical in all aspects. This distinction is important in pharmacy practice to ensure patient safety and efficacy of treatments.