A pharmacist is indeed required to perform a Drug Utilization Review (DUR) on refills. This requirement ensures that the pharmacist assesses the appropriateness of the medication for the patient, considering factors such as drug interactions, allergies, and the patient's medication history. The purpose of the DUR is to promote safe and effective medication use and to identify any potential issues that could arise from continued therapy with the same medication.
This review is vital for all prescriptions, including refills, as patients' health status can change, and new drug interactions may become relevant. By conducting a DUR, the pharmacist helps prevent adverse drug reactions and supports optimal therapeutic outcomes for patients who are often on chronic medications. Refills might be seen as routine; however, the need for vigilant oversight remains essential in the provision of patient care in a pharmacy setting. Therefore, it is a regulatory and ethical obligation of pharmacists to ensure that patients are monitored even during refill processes.