What is an example of a drug-related issue that should be checked during a drug use review?

A drug use review (DUR) is a systematic process designed to ensure that medications are utilized appropriately, safely, and effectively for patients. One critical aspect of this review is assessing drug-disease contraindications. This involves checking for any potential conflicts between the prescribed medications and the specific medical conditions that a patient may have.

Understanding drug-disease contraindications is vital because certain medications can exacerbate underlying health issues. For instance, a patient with heart disease may be prescribed a medication that can lead to increased blood pressure or fluid retention, thus worsening their condition. Therefore, during a DUR, reviewing these contraindications helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about prescribing medications and promoting patient safety.

Patient demographic information, while important for understanding a patient's background, does not directly relate to evaluating the appropriateness of drug use. Similarly, pharmacy service hours and insurance specifics are logistical aspects of pharmacy operations, but they do not involve the clinical review of medication therapies. Hence, focusing on drug-disease contraindications ensures that patient care remains the priority during the drug use review process.