When refilling a prescription, what must be offered to the patient every time?

Offering a consultation to discuss the drug every time a prescription is refilled serves several important purposes in pharmacy practice. This requirement reflects the principles of patient safety and is rooted in the pharmacist's obligation to ensure that patients understand their medications fully.

During the consultation, pharmacists can inform patients about the medication's use, potential side effects, interactions with other drugs, and the importance of adherence to their medication regimen. This interaction is crucial for fostering patient engagement in their own healthcare, ensuring they are aware of any changes in therapy, and addressing any questions or concerns that may arise since the last fill.

Furthermore, this practice aligns with the guidelines set by regulatory agencies, which emphasize the importance of patient education and counseling as part of the pharmaceutical care process. Keeping open lines of communication helps to promote better health outcomes by ensuring that patients are well-informed and empowered regarding their medications.

Other options like an immediate follow-up call may not be feasible or necessary for every refill, while refusing counseling does not prioritize patient safety and could result in a lack of necessary medication information. Documentation of previous medication may be an important administrative task but does not replace the necessity for direct patient engagement and education at each refill.