Should you need further clarity, please get in touch telephonically at 086 002 7800 or on WhatsApp at 086 002 7800 or by clicking the WhatsApp icon on your screen. Alternatively, send an email to care@pharmacydirect.co.za. My chronic medication is not authorised with my medical scheme.

Therapeutic substitution, known also as drug switching and therapeutic interchange, is the practice of replacing a patient's prescription drugs with chemically different drugs that are expected to have the same clinical effect. Many times patients switch to a different drug with no problems.

A prescription is an order for medicine which a doctor writes, and which is given to a pharmacist to prepare and administer the medicine. The new drug does not require a physician's prescription - it can be bought over the counter. The pharmacist cannot dispense certain medicines without a doctor's prescription.

Pharmacists and patients understand that the "Rx" symbol signifies a medical order for a specific treatment. Nonetheless, the history of the "Rx" symbol reflects the long-standing connection between medicine, healing, and the written instructions that guide the use of medications and treatments.