DAW Medical Abbreviation: Pharmacy Dispensing Rule

What DAW Means in Medicine

DAW stands for Dispense As Written.

It tells the pharmacist to provide the exact brand-name medication written by the prescriber. The pharmacist should not substitute a generic alternative.

Doctors use DAW when they want the patient to receive a specific medication product.

Why Doctors Use DAW

Most prescriptions allow pharmacists to substitute a generic medication. Generics usually contain the same active ingredient and work the same way.

However, doctors sometimes write DAW when:

• A patient responds better to a specific brand
• A medication has a narrow therapeutic range
• The doctor wants to avoid formulation differences
• Insurance or treatment plans require a specific product

DAW ensures the patient receives the exact medication written on the prescription.

Where You Might See DAW

You may find DAW in several parts of the prescribing process:

• Printed prescription forms
• Electronic prescriptions
• Pharmacy dispensing records
• Insurance claim documentation
• Medication orders in electronic health records

Some prescriptions may include a checkbox labeled “DAW”.

DAW Codes in Pharmacy

Pharmacies sometimes use DAW codes to explain why a brand-name medication was dispensed.

Examples include:

• DAW 0: No product selection indicated
• DAW 1: Substitution not allowed by prescriber
• DAW 2: Patient requested brand name
• DAW 5: Substitution allowed but brand dispensed

These codes help insurers understand how the medication was filled.

DAW vs Other Prescription Abbreviations

DAW appears alongside other prescription abbreviations that guide how medications should be dispensed or taken.

• DAW: The pharmacist must dispense the exact brand-name drug listed on the prescription. Generic substitution is not allowed.
• SIG: The directions for how the patient should take the medication.
• Rx: The symbol used to indicate a prescription order.
• PRN: Take the medication only when needed.
• BID / TID / QID: Instructions showing how often the medication should be taken (twice daily, three times daily, or four times daily).

These abbreviations appear in prescription instructions and pharmacy records. DAW specifically controls whether a pharmacist can substitute a generic medication.