What schedule are anabolic steroids classified under?

Anabolic steroids are classified under Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act. This classification is based on their potential for abuse and the degree of medical usefulness. Schedule 3 substances have a moderate to low potential for physical dependence and a moderate potential for psychological dependence, distinguishing them from substances in Schedule 1 and 2, which have a higher potential for abuse and dependance.

Anabolic steroids are often used for medical purposes, such as hormone replacement therapy and to treat specific conditions like muscle wasting diseases. Because of their legitimate medical applications, they are not placed in the more restricted schedules reserved for drugs with no accepted medical use or a high potential for abuse. Understanding the categorization of anabolic steroids is essential for pharmacy practice, as it determines prescription requirements, storage, and record-keeping protocols, specifically within the legal framework of Illinois pharmacy law.