{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3408.04.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3408.04.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3408.04.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3408.04.html"}],"law_id":61115,"edition_id":1,"section_id":61115,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.04","catch_line":"Dispensing of interchangeable biosimilars permitted","history":"2013, cc. 412, 544.","full_text":"A\n\nA pharmacist may dispense a biosimilar that has been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as interchangeable with the prescribed product unless (i) the prescriber indicates such substitute is not authorized by specifying on the prescription &#8220;brand medically necessary&#8221; or (ii) the patient insists on the dispensing of the prescribed biological product. In the case of an oral prescription, the prescriber&#8217;s oral dispensing instructions regarding dispensing of an interchangeable biosimilar shall be followed. No pharmacist shall dispense a biosimilar in place of a prescribed biological product unless the biosimilar has been licensed as interchangeable with the prescribed biological product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.B\n\nWhen a pharmacist dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar in the place of a prescribed biological product, the pharmacist or his designee shall inform the patient prior to dispensing the interchangeable biosimilar. The pharmacist or his designee shall also indicate, unless otherwise directed by the prescriber, on both the record of dispensing and the prescription label, the brand name or, in the case of an interchangeable biosimilar, the product name and the name of the manufacturer or distributor of the interchangeable biosimilar. Whenever a pharmacist substitutes an interchangeable biosimilar pursuant to a prescription written for a brand-name product, the pharmacist or his designee shall label the drug with the name of the interchangeable biosimilar followed by the words &#8220;Substituted for&#8221; and the name of the biological product for which the prescription was written. Records of substitutions of interchangeable biosimilars shall be maintained by the pharmacist and the prescriber for a period of not less than two years from the date of dispensing.C\n\n[Expired]D\n\n[Expired]","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":223419,"text":"A pharmacist may dispense a biosimilar that has been licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as interchangeable with the prescribed product unless (i) the prescriber indicates such substitute is not authorized by specifying on the prescription &#8220;brand medically necessary&#8221; or (ii) the patient insists on the dispensing of the prescribed biological product. In the case of an oral prescription, the prescriber&#8217;s oral dispensing instructions regarding dispensing of an interchangeable biosimilar shall be followed. No pharmacist shall dispense a biosimilar in place of a prescribed biological product unless the biosimilar has been licensed as interchangeable with the prescribed biological product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":223420,"text":"When a pharmacist dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar in the place of a prescribed biological product, the pharmacist or his designee shall inform the patient prior to dispensing the interchangeable biosimilar. The pharmacist or his designee shall also indicate, unless otherwise directed by the prescriber, on both the record of dispensing and the prescription label, the brand name or, in the case of an interchangeable biosimilar, the product name and the name of the manufacturer or distributor of the interchangeable biosimilar. Whenever a pharmacist substitutes an interchangeable biosimilar pursuant to a prescription written for a brand-name product, the pharmacist or his designee shall label the drug with the name of the interchangeable biosimilar followed by the words &#8220;Substituted for&#8221; and the name of the biological product for which the prescription was written. Records of substitutions of interchangeable biosimilars shall be maintained by the pharmacist and the prescriber for a period of not less than two years from the date of dispensing.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":223421,"text":"[Expired]","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":223422,"text":"[Expired]","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13871,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13240,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:08","permalink":{"id":243225,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13871,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13240,"edition_id":1,"name":"Drug Control Act","identifier":"34","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":243223,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13240,"identifier":"34","token":"54.1\/III\/34","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77846,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3400","catch_line":"Citation","url":"\/54.1-3400\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3400","metadata":false},{"id":59669,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3401","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3401\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3401","metadata":false},{"id":73061,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3401.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3401.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3401.1","metadata":false},{"id":67762,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3402","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3402\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3402","metadata":false},{"id":66637,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3403","catch_line":"Chapter not applicable to economic poisons","url":"\/54.1-3403\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3403","metadata":false},{"id":64371,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3404","catch_line":"Inventories of controlled substances required of certain persons; contents and form of record","url":"\/54.1-3404\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3404","metadata":false},{"id":55711,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3405","catch_line":"Access to and copies of records; inspections","url":"\/54.1-3405\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3405","metadata":false},{"id":69269,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3406","catch_line":"Records confidential; disclosure of information about violations of federal law","url":"\/54.1-3406\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3406","metadata":false},{"id":62600,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3407","catch_line":"Analysis of controlled substances","url":"\/54.1-3407\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3407","metadata":false},{"id":77665,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","url":"\/54.1-3408\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408","metadata":false},{"id":68723,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.01","catch_line":"Requirements for prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.01\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.01","metadata":false},{"id":69355,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.02","catch_line":"Transmission of prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3408.02\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.02","metadata":false},{"id":81842,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.03","catch_line":"Dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug product permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.03","metadata":false},{"id":61115,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.04","catch_line":"Dispensing of interchangeable biosimilars permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.04","metadata":false},{"id":58824,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.05","catch_line":"Use of FDA-approved substance upon publication of final rule","url":"\/54.1-3408.05\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.05","metadata":false},{"id":82403,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.1","catch_line":"Prescription in excess of recommended dosage in certain cases","url":"\/54.1-3408.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.1","metadata":false},{"id":54900,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.2","catch_line":"Failure to report administration or dispensing of or prescription for controlled substances; report required; penalty","url":"\/54.1-3408.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.2","metadata":false},{"id":66341,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.3","catch_line":"Certification for use of cannabis for treatment","url":"\/54.1-3408.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.3","metadata":false},{"id":84329,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.4","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/54.1-3408.4\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.4","metadata":false},{"id":64050,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.5","catch_line":"Epinephrine required in certain places of public accommodation","url":"\/54.1-3408.5\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.5","metadata":false},{"id":86191,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3409","catch_line":"Professional use by veterinarians","url":"\/54.1-3409\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3409","metadata":false},{"id":83740,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410","catch_line":"When pharmacist may sell and dispense drugs","url":"\/54.1-3410\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410","metadata":false},{"id":56420,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.1","catch_line":"Requirements for radiopharmaceuticals","url":"\/54.1-3410.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.1","metadata":false},{"id":84268,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.2","catch_line":"Compounding; pharmacists' authority to compound under certain conditions; labeling and record maintenance requirements","url":"\/54.1-3410.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.2","metadata":false},{"id":70552,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3410.3","catch_line":"Accessible prescription labels","url":"\/54.1-3410.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3410.3","metadata":false},{"id":77643,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411","catch_line":"When prescriptions may be refilled","url":"\/54.1-3411\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411","metadata":false},{"id":61132,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.1","catch_line":"Prohibition on returns, exchanges, or re-dispensing of drugs; exceptions","url":"\/54.1-3411.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.1","metadata":false},{"id":65473,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.2","catch_line":"Prescription drug disposal programs","url":"\/54.1-3411.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.2","metadata":false},{"id":86720,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3411.2:1","catch_line":"Guidelines for disposal of unused drugs","url":"\/54.1-3411.2_1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3411.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":79333,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3412","catch_line":"Date of dispensing; initials of pharmacist; automated data processing system","url":"\/54.1-3412\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3412","metadata":false},{"id":84967,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3413","catch_line":"Manufacturing and administering Schedule I drugs","url":"\/54.1-3413\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3413","metadata":false},{"id":72920,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3414","catch_line":"Official orders for Schedule II drugs","url":"\/54.1-3414\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3414","metadata":false},{"id":75448,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3415","catch_line":"Distribution of drugs in Schedules II through VI by manufacturers and wholesalers","url":"\/54.1-3415\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3415","metadata":false},{"id":65722,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3415.1","catch_line":"Delivery of medical devices on behalf of a medical equipment supplier","url":"\/54.1-3415.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3415.1","metadata":false},{"id":81317,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3416","catch_line":"No prescription for preparations listed pursuant to Schedule V","url":"\/54.1-3416\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3416","metadata":false},{"id":85551,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3417","catch_line":"Disposing of stocks of Schedules II through V drugs","url":"\/54.1-3417\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3417","metadata":false},{"id":57515,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3418","catch_line":"Sale of aqueous or oleaginous solutions","url":"\/54.1-3418\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3418","metadata":false},{"id":72600,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3419","catch_line":"Dispensing of insulin preparations","url":"\/54.1-3419\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3419","metadata":false},{"id":83366,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420","catch_line":"Distribution of certain drugs; written request or confirmation of receipt","url":"\/54.1-3420\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420","metadata":false},{"id":79253,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420.1","catch_line":"Identification required for filling prescriptions","url":"\/54.1-3420.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420.1","metadata":false},{"id":56483,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420.2","catch_line":"Delivery of prescription drug order","url":"\/54.1-3420.2\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420.2","metadata":false},{"id":55265,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3420.3","catch_line":"Prohibition on refusing to fill prescription from telemedicine provider","url":"\/54.1-3420.3\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3420.3","metadata":false},{"id":55995,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3421","catch_line":"New drugs","url":"\/54.1-3421\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3421","metadata":false},{"id":73818,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3422","catch_line":"Controlled substances registration certificate required in addition to other requirements; exemptions","url":"\/54.1-3422\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3422","metadata":false},{"id":87135,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3423","catch_line":"Board to issue registration unless inconsistent with public interest; authorization to conduct research; application and fees","url":"\/54.1-3423\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3423","metadata":false},{"id":59124,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3424","catch_line":"Suspension or revocation of registration, license or permit; limitation to particular controlled substance; controlled substances placed under seal; sale of perishables and forfeiture; notification to DEA","url":"\/54.1-3424\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3424","metadata":false},{"id":83858,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3425","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-3425\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3425","metadata":false},{"id":86762,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3426","catch_line":"Regulations for special packaging","url":"\/54.1-3426\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3426","metadata":false},{"id":85278,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3427","catch_line":"Dispensing drugs without safety closure container","url":"\/54.1-3427\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3427","metadata":false},{"id":68396,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3428","catch_line":"Dissemination of information","url":"\/54.1-3428\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3428","metadata":false},{"id":74207,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3429","catch_line":"Revocation of permit issued to manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor","url":"\/54.1-3429\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3429","metadata":false},{"id":73141,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3430","catch_line":"Display of permit; permits nontransferable; renewal","url":"\/54.1-3430\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3430","metadata":false},{"id":76001,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3431","catch_line":"Admission into evidence of certain certificates of analysis","url":"\/54.1-3431\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3431","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81842,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.03","catch_line":"Dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug product permitted","url":"\/54.1-3408.03\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.03","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58824,"structure_id":13871,"section_number":"54.1-3408.05","catch_line":"Use of FDA-approved substance upon publication of final rule","url":"\/54.1-3408.05\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.05","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3408.04\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 2013. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0412\">412<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?131+ful+CHAP0544\">544<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":[{"id":77369,"section_number":"54.1-3434.1","catch_line":"Nonresident pharmacies to register with Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3434.1\/"},{"id":83286,"section_number":"54.1-3457","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3457\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":243279,"object_type":"law","relational_id":61115,"identifier":"54.1-3408.04","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.04","url":"\/54.1-3408.04\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3408.04\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/1\/54.1-3408.04","dublin_core":{"Title":"Dispensing of interchangeable biosimilars permitted","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3408.04","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> A pharmacist may <span class=\"dictionary\">dispense<\/span> a <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> that has been licensed by the U.S. Food and <span class=\"dictionary\">Drug<\/span> Administration as <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> with the prescribed product unless (i) the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> indicates such substitute is not authorized by specifying on the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescription<\/span> &#8220;brand medically necessary&#8221; or (ii) the patient insists on the <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> of the prescribed <span class=\"dictionary\">biological product<\/span>. In the case of an oral <span class=\"dictionary\">prescription<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>&#8217;s oral <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> instructions regarding <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> of an <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> shall be followed. No pharmacist shall <span class=\"dictionary\">dispense<\/span> a <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> in place of a prescribed <span class=\"dictionary\">biological product<\/span> unless the <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> has been licensed as <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> with the prescribed <span class=\"dictionary\">biological product<\/span> by the U.S. Food and <span class=\"dictionary\">Drug<\/span> Administration. <a id=\"paragraph-223419\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.04\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> When a pharmacist <span class=\"dictionary\">dispenses<\/span> an <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> in the place of a prescribed <span class=\"dictionary\">biological product<\/span>, the pharmacist or his designee shall inform the patient prior to <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> the <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span>. The pharmacist or his designee shall also indicate, unless otherwise directed by the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span>, on both the record of <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span> and the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescription<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">label<\/span>, the brand name or, in the case of an <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span>, the product name and the name of the <span class=\"dictionary\">manufacturer<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">distributor<\/span> of the <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span>. Whenever a pharmacist substitutes an <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> pursuant to a <span class=\"dictionary\">prescription<\/span> written for a brand-name product, the pharmacist or his designee shall <span class=\"dictionary\">label<\/span> the <span class=\"dictionary\">drug<\/span> with the name of the <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilar<\/span> followed by the words &#8220;Substituted for&#8221; and the name of the <span class=\"dictionary\">biological product<\/span> for which the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescription<\/span> was written. Records of substitutions of <span class=\"dictionary\">interchangeable<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">biosimilars<\/span> shall be maintained by the pharmacist and the <span class=\"dictionary\">prescriber<\/span> for a period of not less than two years from the date of <span class=\"dictionary\">dispensing<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-223420\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.04\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> [Expired] <a id=\"paragraph-223421\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.04\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> [Expired] <a id=\"paragraph-223422\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/54.1-3408.04\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDISPENSING OF INTERCHANGEABLE BIOSIMILARS PERMITTED (\u00a7 54.1-3408.04)\n\nA. A pharmacist may dispense a biosimilar that has been licensed by the U.S.\nFood and Drug Administration as interchangeable with the prescribed product\nunless (i) the prescriber indicates such substitute is not authorized by\nspecifying on the prescription &#8220;brand medically necessary&#8221; or (ii)\nthe patient insists on the dispensing of the prescribed biological product. In\nthe case of an oral prescription, the prescriber&#8217;s oral dispensing\ninstructions regarding dispensing of an interchangeable biosimilar shall be\nfollowed. No pharmacist shall dispense a biosimilar in place of a prescribed\nbiological product unless the biosimilar has been licensed as interchangeable\nwith the prescribed biological product by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.\n\nB. When a pharmacist dispenses an interchangeable biosimilar in the place of a\nprescribed biological product, the pharmacist or his designee shall inform the\npatient prior to dispensing the interchangeable biosimilar. The pharmacist or\nhis designee shall also indicate, unless otherwise directed by the prescriber,\non both the record of dispensing and the prescription label, the brand name or,\nin the case of an interchangeable biosimilar, the product name and the name of\nthe manufacturer or distributor of the interchangeable biosimilar. Whenever a\npharmacist substitutes an interchangeable biosimilar pursuant to a prescription\nwritten for a brand-name product, the pharmacist or his designee shall label the\ndrug with the name of the interchangeable biosimilar followed by the words\n&#8220;Substituted for&#8221; and the name of the biological product for which\nthe prescription was written. Records of substitutions of interchangeable\nbiosimilars shall be maintained by the pharmacist and the prescriber for a\nperiod of not less than two years from the date of dispensing.\n\nC. [Expired]\n\nD. [Expired]\n\nHISTORY: 2013, cc. 412, 544.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}