A pharmacist is reviewing a new prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance for a patient who has been a regular at the pharmacy for several years. The prescription arrives via fax from a physician's office. Under the Narcotic Control Regulations and relevant provincial pharmacy acts, what must the pharmacist do before dispensing?

Question: A pharmacist is reviewing a new prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance for a patient who has been a regular at the pharmacy for several years. The prescription arrives via fax from a physician's office. Under the Narcotic Control Regulations and relevant provincial pharmacy acts, what must the pharmacist do before dispensing?

Answer options:

• Dispense the medication as the fax is considered a valid prescription in this context. ✅ Contact the prescribing physician to verbally confirm the prescription details prior to dispensing.
• Convert the faxed prescription into a written document and sign it, then dispense.
• Request the original hard copy of the prescription be sent to the pharmacy before dispensing.

Correct answer: Contact the prescribing physician to verbally confirm the prescription details prior to dispensing.

Explanation: For Schedule II narcotics and controlled drugs, a faxed prescription is generally considered valid if the pharmacist confirms the prescription with the prescriber. It is not always mandatory to receive the original hard copy, but verbal confirmation is crucial to verify authenticity and address potential diversion or error risks. Provincial acts often align with this requirement.