Patient Counseling A Pharmacist’s Essential Skills (Case Study)

Last week I spoke with a fellow pharmacist who was concerned about a patient starting Montelukast for asthma. The patient was confused about its use and potential side effects.

"I explained how to take it," she said, "but what if they forget or stop taking it correctly?"

This is a common concern. We pharmacists often focus on dispensing, but comprehensive patient counseling can make a world of difference.

And here's the truth: Counseling isn’t just a formality. It’s a critical part of our role, especially with medications like Montelukast, where adherence is key to preventing exacerbations.

The Power of Effective Counseling

When it comes to patient care, there's one thing we can all agree on:

"The better informed the patient, the better the outcome."

But too often, we see the same issue.

Patients don't understand why they're taking a medication or how to manage side effects.

This isn't just frustrating—it can be dangerous.

For example, Montelukast can cause mood changes in rare cases. If patients aren’t told about this possibility, they might not connect the dots or report it in time. A simple conversation could prevent harm.

Changing the Narrative

So how can we do better?

Instead of just asking, "Do you have any questions?" try this:

"What concerns do you have about starting this medication?"

This shift creates an open space for patients to share their worries. You’re now inviting them to talk, rather than just closing the conversation with a yes or no.

For Montelukast, this could mean asking:

"Have you noticed any changes in your mood or sleep since starting this? Are you having trouble remembering to take it?"

By reframing the way we engage, we can uncover issues before they become serious.

Real-World Impact

I get it—our days are busy. But taking just a few extra minutes for thoughtful counseling can change everything.

The pharmacist I spoke with? She followed up with her patient a week later. It turns out, the patient had considered stopping Montelukast due to mild side effects, but because she was aware of the potential mood shifts, she contacted the pharmacy instead of abandoning treatment.

That’s the power of effective counseling.

Action Steps for Pharmacists

Counseling doesn’t have to be lengthy. It just has to be effective.

Here are a few strategies to implement right away:

Start with Open-Ended Questions:

Go beyond “Do you have any questions?” and invite concerns.

Focus on Key Side Effects:

With Montelukast, emphasize potential mood changes or sleep issues that patients should report.

Use Follow-Up Calls:

A brief check-in can help ensure the patient is on track and feeling supported.

When we take a proactive approach, we help patients feel more confident, manage their treatment better, and, ultimately, improve their health.

The Bottom Line:

As pharmacists, patient counseling isn’t an extra task—it’s essential. Whether it's Montelukast or any other medication, our guidance can prevent issues, improve adherence, and build trust.

So next time you’re dispensing, remember:

The conversation you have with your patient might be the difference between success and failure in their treatment.

Improving your patient counseling not only boosts your credibility but also has a profound impact on your patients' health.

Let’s continue to build stronger pharmacist-patient relationships through effective communication.

Stay Savvy,

Muhammad Mannan Ashfaq

Coach, CEO & Founder, MP4U Academy