Question

The pharmacist receives a telephone prescription for testosterone patches from a physician's nurse. Assuming that the dosage, quantity, and instructions are appropriate, and the prescription is reduced to writing, what should the pharmacist do?

1) Fill the prescription as written
2) Contact the physician for clarification
3) Dispense a different medication
4) Ignore the prescription

Answer 1

The pharmacist should fill the prescription as written, after ensuring it is complete and appropriate. Contacting the physician or changing the medication is generally not needed unless there are identified problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a pharmacist receives a telephone prescription for testosterone patches from a physician's nurse and the dosage, quantity, and instructions are appropriate, and the prescription is reduced to writing, they should generally fill the prescription as written. Pharmacists are qualified to dispense drugs that are prescribed by a doctor, provided they are licensed and the prescription meets all legal and professional requirements. Before dispensing, a pharmacist will ensure that all aspects of the prescription are in order, including its legality, appropriateness for the patient, and the absence of issues such as potential drug interactions.

As healthcare professionals with a doctorate in pharmacy, pharmacists have a profound understanding of chemistry and biology, which enables them to apprehend the effects drugs have on the body and to provide advice on their safe and effective use. Usually, no further action, such as contacting the physician for clarification, is necessary unless the pharmacist identifies potential problems or the prescription lacks clarity. Dispensing a different medication or ignoring the prescription is not appropriate unless specific circumstances justify such actions.