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Pharmacists are required to conduct a check for therapeutic duplication for all prescriptions during the drug-refill review process. This is crucial because therapeutic duplication occurs when a patient is prescribed multiple medications that serve the same purpose or have similar effects. Identifying such duplications can significantly impact patient safety, as they increase the risk of adverse effects and reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
By ensuring that a patient is not being prescribed multiple medications that fulfill the same therapeutic role, pharmacists contribute to optimizing medication management and minimizing potential harm. This review allows pharmacists to identify and resolve potential issues before they lead to negative health outcomes, fostering safe medication practices within the healthcare system.
The other options, while relevant to pharmacy practice, do not constitute a mandated step for all prescription refills. For instance, evaluating cost-effectiveness or patient satisfaction can be important but are not universally required for all prescriptions. Similarly, comparing against promotional offers may not directly influence therapeutic outcomes or patient safety. Conducting checks specifically for therapeutic duplication, however, is essential for each prescription to ensure safe and effective patient care.