Drug Utilization Review (DUR): Ensuring Safe and Appropriate Medication Use
An overview of how pharmacies evaluate prescriptions for safety, effectiveness, and appropriateness through comprehensive drug utilization reviews.
RELATED LINKS
For additional resources to support daily pharmacy operations and compliance click HERE.
Full Article:
Overview
A Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is a critical safety process performed by pharmacists to ensure that each prescription is appropriate for the patient. DUR helps identify potential risks such as drug interactions, incorrect dosing, or therapeutic duplication before a medication is dispensed.
By evaluating patient-specific information and prescription details, pharmacies can prevent medication errors and promote optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Patient Information Collection
Accurate and complete patient information is essential for an effective DUR. Pharmacies should make reasonable efforts to collect and maintain:
- Patient age and gender
- Medical conditions and disease states
- Current prescription medications
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- Known allergies
- History of adverse drug reactions
This information provides the foundation for identifying potential medication-related risks.
When DUR Is Performed
A DUR should be conducted:
- For every new prescription
- For every refill of an existing prescription
This ensures that ongoing therapy remains appropriate and that any new risks are identified promptly.
Sources of DUR Alerts
Drug utilization alerts may come from multiple sources, including:
- Pharmacy management systems
- Third-party insurance claim rejections
Key considerations:
- Pharmacists must review all DUR alerts before dispensing
- Pharmacy technicians should not override DUR-related rejections without pharmacist involvement
Key Elements of a DUR
A comprehensive DUR evaluates several clinical factors, including:
- Overutilization or underutilization of medications
- Therapeutic duplication (multiple drugs with the same effect)
- Drug-disease contraindications
- Drug-drug interactions
- Incorrect dosage or duration of therapy
- Drug-allergy interactions
- Potential misuse or abuse
These checks help ensure that each medication is safe and appropriate for the patient’s condition.
Resolving DUR Issues
If a potential issue is identified during the DUR process, the pharmacist must resolve it before dispensing the medication. This may involve:
- Consulting with the patient for clarification or additional information
- Contacting the prescriber to verify or modify the prescription
- Adjusting therapy based on clinical judgment and applicable regulations
No medication should be dispensed until all identified concerns are appropriately addressed.
Documentation Requirements
All DUR activities and outcomes should be properly documented. This includes:
- Recording identified alerts and the actions taken to resolve them
- Documenting any override codes used for third-party rejections
- Ensuring documentation is linked to the prescription record and readily retrievable
Maintaining thorough records supports continuity of care and regulatory compliance.
Key Takeaways
- Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is essential for ensuring medication safety and effectiveness
- DUR must be performed for every new prescription and refill
- Accurate patient information is critical for identifying potential risks
- Pharmacists are responsible for reviewing and resolving all DUR alerts
- Proper documentation of DUR activities supports patient safety and compliance
Disclaimer: These tools and templates are intended for general informational purposes and are provided by Montana Family Pharmacies as a service to pharmacies. While we try to keep the information timely and accurate, we make no guarantees. These tools and templates are not a substitute for legal, regulatory, or professional advice.
Policies and procedure, templates, checklists, and other tools should be customized to fit the specific needs and regulatory requirements of your pharmacy.
Montana Family Pharmacies disclaims any liability for any damages, losses, or other consequences arising from the use or reliance on the tools or policy templates.