What should you do if you receive a suspicious prescription for a controlled substance?

When faced with a suspicious prescription for a controlled substance, the appropriate action is to report it to the pharmacist and follow established reporting procedures. This is crucial for several reasons.

Controlled substances are highly regulated due to their potential for abuse and dependency. A pharmacist is trained to assess the validity of a prescription and to identify signs of forgery or misuse. By reporting to the pharmacist, you ensure that the situation is handled by someone with the authority and expertise to investigate further, which may include verifying the prescription with the prescribing physician or contacting local law enforcement if necessary.

Following the established reporting procedures helps protect both the pharmacy and the patient. It allows for a systematic approach to dealing with potentially illegal activity while ensuring that patient safety is prioritized. Ignoring the prescription or filling it under pressure from the patient could lead to significant legal repercussions and ethical violations, potentially endangering the health and safety of individuals involved.

Contacting the prescribing doctor directly is also a prudent step but should be secondary to reporting to the pharmacist first. The pharmacist has the responsibility to manage the situation and facilitate any necessary communication with the prescriber.