What is a primary responsibility of pharmacists when counseling patients about medications?

The primary responsibility of pharmacists when counseling patients about medications is to provide accurate medication use and safety information. This role is crucial for ensuring that patients understand how to take their medications safely and effectively, including information about dosages, potential side effects, interactions with other drugs, and the importance of adherence to prescribed therapies.

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals with expertise in medications and their therapeutic effects. By offering precise and comprehensive information, they empower patients to make informed decisions regarding their health. This practice ultimately promotes better health outcomes and can help prevent medication errors or adverse effects.

In regards to the other options, the emphasis on profitability, generic alternatives, or limiting information to prescription changes does not align with the foundational duties of a pharmacist. Their primary focus should always be on patient welfare and the safe use of medications, which is encapsulated in the correct answer.