Pharmacist how-to

How to Verify a Prescription

Verification prevents medication errors.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Verification prevents medication errors. In short: confirm; check; review, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm patient identity.

  2. Check the drug, dose and directions.

  3. Review allergies.

  4. Check interactions.

  5. Confirm the right product was filled.

  6. Approve or contact the prescriber.

Safety reminders for pharmacists

  • Double-check high-alert medications
  • Follow sterile compounding standards
  • Secure controlled substances
  • Follow sharps safety for vaccines

PharmD · NAPLEX · Drug interaction · Generic · Formulary · Prior authorization: see the full pharmacist glossary.

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