What is essential for a pharmacist to confirm about a patient before dispensing controlled substances?

The essential aspect for a pharmacist to confirm before dispensing controlled substances is the validity of the prescription. This involves verifying that the prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an authorized prescriber.

Controlled substances are governed by strict regulations due to their potential for abuse and addiction, so ensuring that the prescription is valid safeguards both the patient and public health. A valid prescription should include necessary elements such as the patient's name, the medication prescribed, the quantity, and the prescriber's information. Additionally, pharmacists must assess any red flags that may indicate misuse or diversion of the medication.

While knowing the patient's age, medical history, and the number of prescriptions they have may be relevant for providing appropriate care and preventing interactions or complications, these factors do not directly ensure that the prescription itself is legitimate and compliant with regulatory standards. Hence, confirming the validity of the prescription is the primary responsibility of the pharmacist when dealing with controlled substances.