Think INN, prescribe INN, dispense INN: good professional practice

(1) International nonproprietary names (INN) for drugs were invented about fifty years ago, under the aegis of the World Health Organisation, to provide a common language for health professionals and patients worldwide. (2) No country forbids INN prescriptions. Some countries actively recommend using INNs. (3) INN prescription empowers prescribers and pharmacists in their choice of treatment. (4) The choice between a prescription based on the INN or the brand name will depend on the type of treatment (short term or chronic), the nature of the drug (especially its therapeutic margin) and any specific risks related to the patient (age, disease condition, allergy, and adherence). (5) A pharmacist's decision to dispense a brand name drug from an INN prescription must be based on usual dispensing precautions. (6) Adopting INN prescribing means having to reflect on one's knowledge of drugs, and to challenge the quality of one's initial and continuing education in pharmacology and therapeutics. The INN system is a means of improving prescribing and dispensing practices: it involves paying more attention to the patient, explaining the treatment in greater detail, and respecting his/her choice.