What is the primary goal of therapeutic substitution programs?

The primary goal of therapeutic substitution programs is to reduce overall drug costs. These programs involve substituting a drug prescribed by a healthcare provider with a different medication that is therapeutically similar but often less expensive. This approach can lead to significant savings for patients and healthcare systems, making medications more accessible.

When implementing therapeutic substitution, healthcare providers and pharmacists aim to select alternatives that maintain effective treatment while minimizing financial burdens. This practice not only addresses the costs associated with expensive brand-name medications but also aligns with broader efforts to enhance health care value.

While enhancing patient adherence, improving therapeutic outcomes, and increasing pharmacy sales are valuable aspects that may be positively influenced by therapeutic substitution, the primary focus of these programs is on cost reduction. Achieving lower drug costs can have a cascading effect on adherence and outcomes, as patients may be more likely to adhere to their therapy if it is affordable, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes. However, these benefits are secondary to the direct objective of lowering medication expenses.