How should the prescriber be informed after an emergency refill is dispensed?

When an emergency refill is dispensed, the prescriber should be informed at the earliest reasonable time to ensure they are aware of the patient's medication use and continue to maintain proper oversight of the patient's treatment. This communication is essential to uphold the continuity of care and allows the prescriber to make any necessary adjustments to the patient's medication plan based on the emergency circumstances that required a refill.

This practice aligns with the professional standards expected in pharmacy practice, emphasizing the importance of communication between pharmacists and prescribers for safe and effective patient care. Timely notification helps prevent potential issues such as prescription errors or adverse drug reactions that could arise from the prescriber being unaware of the emergency refill.

Other options may not provide a timely or effective method of communication. For instance, informing the prescriber at the next patient visit could lead to delays that might affect patient safety. Sending an email within 24 hours, while somewhat timely, may not be as immediate as necessary in urgent situations. A written letter could also take too long to reach the prescriber, failing to address the matter promptly.