When must a pharmacist perform a drug utilization review?

A pharmacist must perform a drug utilization review with every prescription filled. This process is essential to ensure patient safety and the effective use of medications. It involves reviewing a patient's medication history to identify any potential drug interactions, contraindications, or the appropriateness of the therapy for the patient's specific health needs.

Conducting a drug utilization review for every prescription helps catch issues such as duplicate therapies, allergies, or medically inappropriate combinations of drugs. This practice is not limited to first-time prescriptions, controlled substances, or prescriptions over a certain duration, but rather it is a standard requirement every time a prescription is dispensed. This comprehensive approach promotes better patient health outcomes and aids in the prevention of adverse drug events.