In which scenario is a pharmacist required to perform a prospective DUR?

A pharmacist is required to perform a prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) when a prescription is filled. This process involves evaluating a patient's medication profile to anticipate potential drug-related issues before the medication is dispensed. The purpose of the prospective DUR is to identify any potential drug interactions, contraindications, allergies, or therapeutic duplications that could lead to adverse effects or ineffective therapy. By conducting a thorough review at this stage, the pharmacist ensures the safety and appropriateness of the medication therapy for the patient, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes.

In contrast, performing a prospective DUR is not mandated in the same way when a patient requests over-the-counter (OTC) medication, as this situation typically does not involve previously established medication records that could present risks associated with drug interactions or therapy duplications. For refills, although a pharmacist must verify that the medication is appropriate, the review may not need to be as comprehensive since it concerns continuity of care for a known therapy. Transferring prescriptions between pharmacies also does not necessitate a prospective DUR, as the focus is on documentation of the prescription rather than on preemptively assessing potential drug-related problems.