What does DAW stand for in pharmacy practice?

In pharmacy practice, DAW stands for "Dispense As Written." This term is used primarily on prescriptions to indicate that the pharmacist must dispense the medication exactly as prescribed by the healthcare provider, without substituting a generic equivalent or any other formulation. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to the original prescription to ensure that the patient receives the specific medication intended by the prescriber, which can be critical for efficacy and safety.

When a prescription includes a DAW indication, it communicates to the pharmacy staff that any changes or substitutions should not be made, protecting the integrity of the treatment plan established by the healthcare provider. Recognizing this abbreviation and its implications helps pharmacy technicians understand the importance of following prescriptions accurately and ensuring compliance with patient care standards.