What role should the pharmacist play in providing information about OTC and prescription drugs to patients?

Question

What role should the pharmacist play in providing information about

OTC and prescription drugs to patients?

Role of Pharmacist (Ch15)

Rodwin De Guzman posted Apr 12, 2021 3:40 PM

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With the role of a pharmacist, pharmacists should be an insightful source when

providing information about over-the-counter and prescription drugs to patients. Pharmacists

are the health care professionals who should be held accountable for those who are going to

take over-the-counter drugs and/or prescription drugs. There are some people who do not take

over the counter and/or prescription drugs properly, because they do not know the type of

drug they are using, they do not know if they are allergic to the drug, or they may not know

the proper dosage for that drug. Whatever the case may be, the patient may potentially

misuse/or abuse the drug they are taking. With over-the-counter drugs, they have a low abuse

rate, but regardless, a pharmacist should at least have information ready for the patient, if they

are ever curious (Hanson et al., 2017, page 478). On the other hand, with prescription drugs, it

is crucial for a pharmacist to provide information in the most comprehensible way possible.

This is so the patient can understand how to take their prescribed drug properly. So, whether it

is a prescribed or over-the-counter drug, a role for a pharmacist is to provide detailed

information about the drug, comprehensively, so there is a less likely chance of drug misuse

and abuse among the patients.

WC: 217

Reference:

Hanson, Glen R., Venturelli, Peter J., & Fleckenstein, Annette E. (2017). Drugs and Society,

13th Edition. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Chapter 15

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Kristen Le posted Apr 13, 2021 5:47 PM

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Pharmacists should evaluate the symptoms/condition of the patients in

the collection of OTC drugs and ascertain if self-care is sufficient or

whether medical treatment is needed, as well as assess for possible

allergies. When patients take several OTC drugs, pharmaceuticals

should advise patients to search for the active ingredients in certain

products on an ongoing basis to ensure that a certain ingredient is not

included in another medication, so that they prevent future over-dose

use. If a patient seeks advice on these drugs, pharmacists may also take

advantage of the ability to inform the patient about the value of proper

use of these products. Through carrying out a comprehensive

assessment of patients' wishes, pharmacists will help patients make

better OTC collection choices to improve treatment and ensure that

certain drugs are used smoothly. If properly used, OTC drugs handle a

number of common diseases very well. Pharmacist recommendations

enable patients to choose the use of OTC drugs in a well-educated way.

Approximate 2 billion health issues are treated with using OTC drugs,

according to the American Pharmacists Association of 3.5 billion health

problems annually treated. Results from the NCPIE survey show that

73% of patients tend to self-treat OTC products and that most patients

regard OTCs as healthy and reliable. Further, 51% of patients reported

taking prescribed medication with an OTC. In addition, only 37% of

patients who use OTC medicines have been surveyed with the

pharmacist to ensure correct use and selection. If the number of OTC

medicines on the market continues to grow and as the FDA accepts more

non-prescription prescription medicines, the risk for medicinal

interactions will also increase. It is also critical that patients visit

pharmacists to learn about the proper use of these drugs. Pharmacists

should educate patients on the correct use of OTC drugs and can advise

them to read the labeling of OTC products carefully and often ask

questions if they are unsure about the selection or use of OTC products

correctly.

WC: 328

References

Sinha, H.K. (2014). Role of pharmacists in retailing of drugs. Journal of

Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Research, 5(3),

107. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4131399/#__ffn_s

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