Pharmacists Have New Rx for Health Care

If chats with your pharmacist usually revolve around the weather and sports scores, get ready to make more than small talk. This year, California pharmacists will be taking a more active role as health care providers, thanks to two changes, one of which went into effect last week; the other becomes effective in March.

A new state labeling law designed to help reduce the risk of dangerous drug reactions and interactions went into effect Jan. 1. It requires a new label on prescription medicines that reads: “Consult your pharmacist or physician with a list of medications you are currently taking if you have any questions about adverse drug reactions.” This warning, which can be on a label or an enclosure, must accompany every new prescription or one dispensed in a different dosage, form or strength, or with different written instructions, said Victor Boisseree, vice president for professional affairs at California Pharmacists Assn.

Beginning March 1, a state Board of Pharmacies regulation requires pharmacists to initiate an oral consultation with patients who pick up their new prescriptions, Boisseree says. During the talk, pharmacists will cover directions for use and storage, the importance of complying with the directions, and the general precautions and warnings, he says.

Pharmacists also will keep a patient medicine profile, or a list of all prescription drugs obtained at that pharmacy.

“More than likely, that profile is already being kept by 90% of California pharmacies,” Boisseree says. On the federal level, another change affecting prescription drug labels is pending. In November, the Food and Drug Administration proposed that information about the special effects of medicines on persons over age 65 be included with prescription medicines.