Forged controlled substance prescriptions have multiple negative implications. Some patients may forge prescriptions to obtain controlled substance drugs to use in various settings such as addiction, recreational use, or even black market sales. It is important for a pharmacist to use their best judgment when dealing with possible forged prescriptions.
A pharmacist may want to look for:
- Misspellings or errors in prescriber or drug information (compare previous prescriptions from same prescriber)
- If you have any discrepancies, you have the right to not fill the prescription.
- Remember that you can always contact the prescriber if you have any questions or doubts about the validity of the prescription. Check the prescriber's phone number in a telephone book or professional association list to avoid illegitimate telephone numbers
- Important to look for the security features on controlled substances prescriptions - (Refer to "Requirements for a Prescription" section)
How to check that a DEA number is legit and valid:
If the last digit of the DEA matches, it does not necessarily mean that the DEA number is valid. Those who attempt to forge prescriptions and DEA numbers are aware of the DEA formulary, so any doubts should be taken with caution. The best way to ensure that you have a valid DEA number is to contact the DEA directly.
It is at your own discretion if you decide to report the forgery or not but you should contact your local police if you are ever in this situation. If you believe that not filling the order will lead to confrontation, take the necessary steps that will allow you to come out of the situation safely. For example, calling the police before informing the patients that prescription will not be filled. Your safety is the most important.
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- The second letter is the first letter of the prescriber's last name
- The next seven digits are computer generated and follow the DEA formulary
- Add the 1st, 3rd, and 5th digits
- Add the 2nd, 4th, and 6th digits and multiple the sum by 2
- Add the results of the two calculations
- The last digits in the calculation must match the last digit in the DEA number known as the "check digit"
- If it does not, the DEA number is invalid
It is at your own discretion if you decide to report the forgery or not but you should contact your local police if you are ever in this situation. If you believe that not filling the order will lead to confrontation, take the necessary steps that will allow you to come out of the situation safely. For example, calling the police before informing the patients that prescription will not be filled. Your safety is the most important.
For more resources, feel free to visit: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/pharmguide.htm#types
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