In terms of counseling, what must pharmacists offer to patients?

Pharmacists are required to offer counseling for both new and refill prescriptions, ensuring that patients fully understand their medications, including the purpose, dosage, administration, potential side effects, and any necessary precautions. This obligation is grounded in the role of pharmacists as healthcare professionals who contribute to the safe and effective use of medications.

Counseling for new prescriptions is crucial since the patient may be taking a medication for the first time and needs to grasp its potential effects comprehensively. Likewise, providing counseling for refill prescriptions is equally important, as patients may not remember all the details from their initial counseling or may have new questions or concerns based on their ongoing experience with the medication.

This requirement aligns with the broader goal of promoting medication safety and patient education, which helps to foster adherence to prescribed therapies and potentially reduce adverse drug events. By offering comprehensive counseling for both new and refill prescriptions, pharmacists play a key role in patient care beyond merely dispensing medications.