What should a pharmacist check before counseling a patient on a new medication?

Before counseling a patient on a new medication, it is crucial for a pharmacist to check the patient’s medication history and allergies. This information ensures that the pharmacist can provide safe and effective counseling tailored to the individual patient's needs.

Understanding a patient’s medication history allows the pharmacist to identify potential drug interactions, duplications, and the patient's adherence to previous medications. Additionally, being aware of the patient's allergies helps prevent adverse reactions that might occur if the new medication has ingredients that the patient is allergic to.

Overall, this background information is fundamental to optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing risks, thus ensuring that the patient receives comprehensive and personalized care.