Pharmacists should be empowered to lead evidence-based pharmaceutical product selection, including generic substitution and therapeutic interchange, to improve access to medicines, strengthen health system resilience and optimise patient outcomes, according to a new Statement of Policy released today by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).

The statement, replacing FIP's 2018 policy on pharmacists' authority in pharmaceutical product selection, reflects major developments in regulatory science, the growing use of generic and biosimilar medicines, digital health technologies, medicine shortages and the increasing need for sustainable, people-centred health care.

"Pharmacists are the healthcare professionals with the greatest expertise in medicines, making them ideally placed to lead pharmaceutical product selection," said Mr Daragh Connolly, co-chair of the policy committee. "As health systems face increasing financial pressures, medicine shortages and more complex patient needs, enabling pharmacists to practise to the full extent of their competence benefits patients and health systems alike."

The policy recognises pharmaceutical product selection — including generic substitution and therapeutic interchange — as a key clinical responsibility of pharmacists. Where permitted by national legislation, pharmacists should be able to apply evidence-based clinical judgement to optimise medicine use, maintain continuity of care and support equitable access to treatment. It also distinguishes between generic substitution, biosimilar substitution, therapeutic interchange and prescriber-led switching, acknowledging that legal frameworks differ across countries.

“People-centred care is a central theme throughout the policy, which calls on pharmacists to involve patients in decisions about changes to their medicines, explain the reasons for substitution or interchange, and address concerns that may affect adherence or confidence in treatment. It also highlights the importance of collaborative practice with prescribers and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe, coordinated care,” said Mr Lars-Åke Söderlund, co-chair of the policy committee.

The policy also highlights the growing role of digital technologies in medicines optimisation, encouraging wider use of electronic health records, clinical decision-support systems and real-world evidence to improve patient safety, pharmacovigilance and continuity of care. It further recognises pharmacists' contribution to responding to medicine shortages, strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting value-based health care.

FIP calls on governments and policymakers to establish clear legal frameworks, align regulatory and reimbursement policies, and strengthen public confidence in generic and biosimilar medicines. It also urges pharmacy organisations, educators, healthcare funders, manufacturers and digital health developers to invest in pharmacist education, digital infrastructure and collaborative models of care that enable pharmacists to fully contribute to medicines optimisation.

FIP reaffirms its commitment to supporting pharmacist-led, evidence-based pharmaceutical product selection as a means of improving patient outcomes, expanding access to medicines and strengthening sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.

Notes for editors

About FIP 
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global body representing over 5.5 million pharmacists, pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical scientists. We work to meet the world's healthcare needs. FIP is a non-governmental organisation that has been in official relations with the World Health Organization since 1948. www.fip.org 

PRESS CONTACT
Laila Ghorab
Communications Manager
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Email laila@fip.org