Monitoring in dispensing includes which of the following actions?

• A. To schedule follow-up appointments
• B. To adjust medication based on patient response
• C. To report adverse reactions to the prescribing physician
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Monitoring in dispensing is an ongoing process to ensure safety and effectiveness of a patient’s medication therapy. It involves actively checking how the patient responds after starting or adjusting a therapy, which may require scheduling follow-up appointments to assess adherence, symptom control, and any side effects. If the patient isn’t achieving the desired outcome or is experiencing adverse effects, the pharmacist may adjust the medication regimen in collaboration with the prescriber, such as changing doses or selecting an alternative therapy. Reporting adverse reactions to the prescribing physician or appropriate pharmacovigilance channels is also essential, so safety signals are evaluated and documented. Together, these actions—follow-up, adjustment based on patient response, and reporting adverse reactions—form the comprehensive approach to monitoring in dispensing.