Question

DUR (Drug Utilization Review) warnings serve to alert dispensers about potential inappropriate drug use. What is the primary purpose of DUR warnings?

a) To promote the use of generic medications
b) To track medication inventory in pharmacies
c) To inform patients about new medications
d) To prevent adverse drug interactions

Answer 1

The primary purpose of DUR warnings is to prevent adverse drug interactions, ensuring medications are used safely and appropriately. The FDA's stringent regulations support safety and efficacy, yet they may delay access to new therapies for patients urgently in need of novel treatments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary purpose of Drug Utilization Review (DUR) warnings is to prevent adverse drug interactions. DUR programs are a set of processes designed to ensure prescribed medications are used appropriately, safely, and only when genuinely needed. They act as a safety net by providing timely information to the dispenser about issues that might have been overlooked, such as potential drug interactions, duplicate therapy, incorrect dosages, or the duration of drug therapy, thereby safeguarding patients from the consequences of inappropriate medication use.

To ensure safety and efficacy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the medicines to prevent distribution of unsafe drugs. Unfortunately, due to the stringent regulatory process, some potential losers are patients who might not have timely access to novel therapies that could benefit them, while caution and safety remain the main priorities.