What action must be taken for emergency dispensing of a Schedule II drug?

For emergency dispensing of a Schedule II drug, a signed prescription must be obtained later. This requirement is rooted in the legal framework governing controlled substances, particularly the regulations that ensure proper documentation and accountability regarding these high-potency drugs. When a pharmacist receives an emergency request for a Schedule II medication, they are allowed to dispense the medication after a verbal order from a prescriber. However, to comply with regulations and to ensure that the dispensing is legitimate, a written prescription must be provided to the pharmacist within a specified period, typically 7 days.

This process serves multiple purposes: it helps maintain a detailed record of the transaction, ensures that the prescriber validates the emergency need for the medication, and helps prevent potential misuse or diversion of controlled substances. The emphasis on obtaining a signed prescription underscores the importance of maintaining strict controls over Schedule II drugs, which are considered to have a high potential for abuse.

In contrast, other options do not meet the legal requirements for dispensing Schedule II medications in an emergency. For example, dispensing without any follow-up would violate the need for documentation, while relying solely on a verbal order without further validation does not comply with regulatory expectations. Scheduling a refill immediately does not align with the protocol for emergency dispensing, as refills on Schedule II