Question

You are working a faxed enrollment form and notice that it states there was some discoloration in the pills the patient received on their last fill. What should you do?

Answer 1

You should immediately report the discoloration of pills to a pharmacist or supervisor to ensure patient safety and investigate the issue further. Appropriate actions may also include documenting the incident and reporting it to relevant authorities.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you notice a report of discoloration on the pills that a patient received during their last fill on a faxed enrollment form, it is important to take immediate action. According to standard protocol in pharmacy practice, any reports of abnormalities in medication such as discoloration, shape, or size should be addressed promptly to ensure patient safety. The appropriate course of action would involve notifying a pharmacist or supervisor, who can then investigate the issue further. They might need to contact the manufacturer or check their stock for any additional contaminated or defective products. It could be a sign of a larger issue that needs to be addressed.

Furthermore, documenting the incident and reporting it to the relevant authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if in the United States, may be necessary. Such steps are taken to prevent potential adverse effects on patients and to maintain the integrity of the healthcare system.