Is prospective drug utilization review (DUR) required for new prescriptions?

Prospective drug utilization review (DUR) is a critical process in pharmacy practice that aims to ensure safe and appropriate medication use before a prescription is dispensed. This review involves evaluating a patient’s medication profile to identify potential issues such as drug interactions, correct dosages, allergies, and other aspects that could affect patient safety and therapy outcomes.

The requirement for conducting prospective DUR applies to new prescriptions as well as refills. Performing this review on new prescriptions allows pharmacists to assess the patient’s medication needs and check for any potential problems right at the outset of therapy. This proactive approach is essential for preventing adverse drug events and ensuring that the therapy prescribed is appropriate for the patient’s clinical situation.

While some options suggest that DUR might only apply to refills or depend on certain conditions, it is established in pharmacy regulations that pharmacists must conduct this review for both new prescriptions and refills to uphold patient safety and care standards. Thus, it is necessary to maintain a consistent practice of performing prospective DUR regardless of whether the prescription is new or a continuation of therapy.