Which type of prescription requires counseling from the pharmacist?

The requirement for counseling from the pharmacist primarily applies to new prescriptions. When a patient receives a new prescription, it is crucial for the pharmacist to provide education on the proper use of the medication, potential side effects, interactions with other drugs, and any necessary precautions. This counseling ensures that patients understand how to take their medication safely and effectively, especially since they may be encountering it for the first time.

In contrast, for refills, the expectation is that the patient is already familiar with the medication and how to take it, assuming there have been no changes in the prescription or the patient’s health status. Although pharmacists may still offer counseling at refill times when needed, it is not mandated as it is for new prescriptions.

Regarding scheduled medications, while they may require specific messaging due to their controlled status, the requirement for counseling does not solely hinge on their classification, but rather on the nature of the prescription itself—new versus refill. Therefore, the stipulation for counseling remains mainly associated with new prescriptions.