brand vs. generic- when would you give out brand drugs only?

[bobbin]

*Theophylline

Theophylline is often used as an example of a drug which GPs should prescribe by brand, but in my experience it's usually prescribed generically. In the UK at least, there are relative few products available. If the Rx is for m/r 200mg, 300mg or 400mg tablets there is no alternative but to give Uniphyllin. If the Rx is for m/r 60mg, 125mg or 250mg capsules there is no alternative but to give SloPhyllin. If the Rx is for m/r 175mg to 250mg tablets there is no alternative but to give Nuelin SA.

Considering that GP's computer systems always include the strength and dosage form, patients on theophylline will always receive the same brand regardless of whether the prescription states the brand name. There were a greater variety of brands available years ago but not recently.

[Pharmguru]

Is it a legal requirement for brand prescrbing or good practice...think it's the latter

[bobbin]

Is it a legal requirement for brand prescribing or good practice...think it's the latter

There is no legal requirement for branded prescribing in any situation.

[M.Medina]

There is a curiosity that you may like to have in mind.

I was checking a prescription for Ropinirole 0,5mg and 1mg for the treatment of Parkinson (I know this from previous medicines that the patient has taken).

Dispenser prepares the medicine as Adartrel 0,5mg and ReQuip 1mg (both ropinirole), where my curiosity got caught.
Adartrel is licensed ONLY for restless legs sindrome and ReQuip is ONLY licensed for Parkinsons which is fine so far…. But then, there it comes the generics:

Generics are available from TEVA, Actavis and Winthrop, and not all have license for both conditions. So, yes, they are bioequivalents, but bioequivalents to what? If it is not licensed!
So, what to dispense if you have the generic available? Have you ever checked if the TEVA manufactured is licensed or not for Parkinsons before dispensing it?

I know the answer now but I am afraid I will find some other cases like this.