17. A pharmacy technician is processing a prescription for Crestor. The pharmacist should be consulted if a computer alert indicates that the patient has:
Answer: D
The pharmacist should be consulted if the patient has a current prescription for atorvastatin.
This is critical because both Crestor and atorvastatin are statins, and concurrent use can increase the risk of statin-related side effects, particularly muscle toxicity.
A) an allergy to sulfa drugs
This option is incorrect as Crestor (rosuvastatin) does not contain sulfa components. Therefore, a sulfa drug allergy does not necessitate consultation with the pharmacist regarding this specific medication.
B) been prescribed 10 mg per day
This option is not a valid reason for consultation because the dosage of 10 mg per day is within the standard dosing range for Crestor. No additional risk or interaction is implied by this dosage that would require pharmacist intervention.
C) no history of liver disease
While liver function is important when prescribing statins, having no history of liver disease is not a reason to consult the pharmacist. In fact, the absence of liver disease may support the safe use of Crestor without additional concern.
D) a current prescription for atorvastatin
This option is correct as simultaneous use of Crestor and atorvastatin can lead to increased risk of adverse effects. The pharmacist should be consulted to evaluate potential drug interactions and consider alternative therapy.
Conclusion
The necessity to consult the pharmacist arises specifically from the potential drug interaction between Crestor and atorvastatin, making option D the only correct choice. Other options do not indicate any significant concerns that would warrant pharmacist intervention, highlighting the importance of managing drug interactions in patient care.