PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)Federal RequirementsEasy
A pharmacy technician is reviewing a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance. The prescription is for OxyContin (oxycodone) 40 mg, take one tablet by mouth every 12 hours for 30 days. The prescriber has written 'DAW' on the prescription. Which of the following is a federal requirement for dispensing this prescription?
- AThe patient must present a valid photo ID before the medication can be dispensed.
- BThe pharmacy must contact the prescriber to verify the diagnosis before dispensing.
- CThe prescription must be filled within 7 days of the date it was written.
- DThe prescription must be dispensed with a 'Caution: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug...' label.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The prescription must be dispensed with a 'Caution: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug...' label.
Federal law mandates that all Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances dispensed directly to a patient must have a specific warning label affixed to the container.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While some pharmacies may have this policy, it is not a federal requirement for dispensing controlled substances.
- B. Verification of diagnosis is not a federal requirement for dispensing a Schedule II prescription.
- C. There is no federal requirement for Schedule II prescriptions to be filled within 7 days; state laws may vary.
Controlled Substance Warning Label
A specific warning label required by federal law to be affixed to the container of any dispensed Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substance.
- Required for all schedules II-V.
- States: 'Caution: Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed.'
- Ensures patients are aware of legal restrictions.
Memory trick: Labeling Controlled substances: 'Careful! Federal Law Says No Transfer!'