Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

What is the consequence of dispensing a generic drug without "INTERCHANGE" or "IC" clearly indicated on the label?

1. Misbranded

2. Adulterated

3. Over-the-counter violation

4. Non-compliance

The correct answer is: Misbranded

Dispensing a generic drug without the terms "INTERCHANGE" or "IC" clearly indicated on the label can result in the product being classified as misbranded. Under pharmacy law, a drug is considered misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading in any particular way. In this context, failing to indicate that the drug is a generic equivalent of a brand-name drug can mislead patients and healthcare providers regarding the nature of the medication being dispensed. Properly labeling a generic medication ensures that consumers are adequately informed about what they are taking and that they are receiving the appropriate therapeutic alternatives as intended. This misbranding issue highlights the importance of transparency in the medication process. Patients need to understand what they are receiving, particularly if there might be variations in efficacy or side effects between brand-name and generic drugs. By not clearly indicating this information, the pharmacy is not complying with labeling laws, which are established to promote safe and effective medication use. In this way, the labeling requirement serves as a safeguard for patient safety and informed consent.