How many times can a scheduled drug be transferred between pharmacies that do not share a database?

For scheduled drugs, the regulations are quite specific regarding the transfer between pharmacies that do not share a real-time database. The law stipulates that controlled substances can only be transferred once between pharmacies that do not share a common database. This is primarily to ensure the integrity and tracking of controlled substances in the supply chain, preventing misuse and over-prescription.

The rationale is that each transfer affects the overall count of the drug, and without a shared database, it is challenging to ensure tracking and accountability. If a patient needs their prescription filled at a different pharmacy, the process must adhere to this one-time transfer rule to maintain proper records and compliance with federal and state regulations.

This one-time transfer rule is an important part of both patient safety and regulatory compliance, thereby reinforcing the importance of properly managing controlled substances in the pharmacy setting.