A study Conducted at Long Island University indicates that when it comes to drug-related questions, ChatGPT, while fast and convenient, may pose risks. Pharmacists reviewing nearly three-quarters of drug-related queries found responses from ChatGPT to be either incorrect, incomplete, or potentially harmful to patients. The study involved posing real questions to ChatGPT that were initially researched and answered by pharmacists from Long Island University’s College of Pharmacy drug information service. The responses were then compared to those generated by ChatGPT, revealing the discrepancies. Out of the 39 responses provided by ChatGPT, only 10 met the criteria for satisfaction set by the investigators. The remaining 29 responses either did not directly address the question, were inaccurate, or lacked completeness. Additionally, only eight responses included references to verify the information, and these references were found to be nonexistent.

One alarming example highlighted in the study involved ChatGPT’s response to an obvious, yet very important question about the drug interaction between the COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid and the blood-pressure lowering medication verapamil. ChatGPT incorrectly indicated no reported interactions, despite the potential for a dangerous drop in blood pressure when these drugs are combined. Without awareness of such interactions, patients may experience preventable and undesirable side effects.

Patients should exercise caution when relying on ChatGPT as an authoritative source for medication-related information. There is a need for verification from trusted sources, given the study’s findings. The pharmacists at Centrum Pharmacy are just a phone call away to help in answering your health-related questions.

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