The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7262 p205
16 August 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Prescribing

Encourage generic prescribing

From Mr A. J. Young, MRPharmS

I read with interest the letter from M. D. A. Tomlin (PJ, 2 August, p147) regarding information on discharge letters. Although many hospitals are working on computer discharge letters we currently still rely on the clear writing of doctors and pharmacists.

We encourage generic prescribing owing to the increased number of errors that occur when brand names are used. For example, Istin has been misread as ISMN, Lasix as Losec and Epilim as Epanutin. The list of examples goes on. To say that prescribing by brand leaves no room for error is simply incorrect.

Anthony Young
Durham

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