A new patient is picking up ibuprofen 800 mg. Do they require counseling?

In the context of pharmacy practice, counseling is an essential component of patient care, particularly for new patients or when dispensing new medications for the first time. When a new patient is picking up ibuprofen 800 mg, they are likely encountering this medication for the first time at this pharmacy, regardless of their past history with ibuprofen at other locations.

Counseling ensures that the patient understands how to use the medication safely and effectively, including appropriate dosing, potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and any specific precautions they should consider. This is especially important for medications like ibuprofen, which can have significant side effects, particularly at higher doses.

Additionally, regulations and guidelines in pharmacy practice generally mandate that new patients receive counseling to promote safe use and to enhance medication adherence. Therefore, counseling is not only a good practice but often a regulatory requirement, reinforcing the importance of patient education in pharmaceutical care.