What action does DAW 2 indicate regarding medication dispensing?

DAW 2, which stands for "Dispense As Written," indicates that the patient has requested a specific product to be dispensed. This means that, although the prescriber has not expressly prohibited substitution, the patient's preference plays a key role in the dispensing decision. It's important to note that this choice is not driven by the prescriber’s instructions but rather reflects the patient's desire for the brand-name medication or a specific formulation over a generic option.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as they navigate the complexities of medication dispensing and comply with both the preference of the patient and regulations surrounding substitutions.