If a physician writes two medications on a controlled substance prescription, what should the pharmacist do?

When a physician writes a prescription that includes both controlled substances and non-controlled substances, specific guidelines dictate the actions of the pharmacist. In this scenario, filling the non-controlled substance while not filling the controlled substance addresses the legal and regulatory requirements surrounding controlled medications.

Controlled substances are subject to stringent regulations and prescriptions must comply with particular state and federal laws. If a prescription contains both types of medications and does not clearly specify that the controlled substance is to be filled, the pharmacist must be cautious. It’s essential to recognize that a controlled substance can only be dispensed according to the precise and valid prescriptions in compliance with legal standards.

By choosing to fill the non-controlled prescription and not the controlled substance, the pharmacist is acting within the constraints of their legal responsibilities, ensuring compliance and avoiding potential legal issues. This approach gives the pharmacist the opportunity to verify or clarify the controlled portion with the prescriber, potentially preventing the risk of errors or misuse.