The Ministry of Health has underscored that reviewing prescriptions and safeguarding medication safety are among the core responsibilities of pharmacists across the Kingdom, as part of efforts to protect patients and reduce dispensing errors.
Under the rules, pharmacists must review each prescription and clarify any suspected error with the prescribing physician before dispensing. They may not hand over medication that differs from the prescription without the prescriber’s approval. Patients may receive a generically equivalent medicine if they agree, except for medicines restricted by the Ministry of Health.
Before dispensing, pharmacists are required to verify medication names, doses, patient allergies, drug interactions, duplication, contraindications, refill timing, storage requirements, and the instructions given to patients. Pharmaceutical technicians may dispense medicines only under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
How to access the service
Residents and citizens can use the prescription-review service through the Ministry of Health portal under E-Services → Medicines and Prescriptions Review Service. The service helps patients confirm that their medications are appropriate and safe.
The Ministry has also set out penalties for violations of dispensing regulations. These can reach fines of up to SAR 100,000, closure of a facility for up to 60 days, cancellation of a license, or penalties against practitioners that may include imprisonment of up to six months.
For the wider community in Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond, the guidance is a reminder to keep prescriptions clear, confirm any changes with the pharmacist, and ask questions about dosage, storage and possible interactions before taking any medicine.
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