What is the required action when a prescription for a controlled substance has been altered?

When a prescription for a controlled substance has been altered, the most appropriate action to take is to refuse to fill it without contacting the prescriber. This is crucial because altering a prescription raises concerns regarding the validity of the prescription and potential misuse or abuse of controlled substances.

By contacting the prescriber, the pharmacist can confirm whether the prescription is indeed legitimate and verify any changes made. This ensures that the pharmacy complies with legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding against potential fraud and protecting public health. It also helps maintain the integrity of the prescription process and upholds professional standards in pharmacy practice.

Filling an altered prescription could lead to serious legal ramifications for both the pharmacist and the pharmacy, as well as potentially harm the patient if the medication is inappropriate or misused. Informing the patient to bring a new prescription could also be a reasonable step, but it is essential to first validate the authenticity of the altered prescription before taking any further action.