Final answer:
A pharmacist should verify the legitimacy of a controlled prescription and ensure its safe and effective use. They can consult resources like the Commonly Abused Drugs Chart and work within pharmacovigilance systems to monitor drug safety as mandated by the FDA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pharmacists and Controlled Prescriptions
If a pharmacist is concerned about the use/abuse/legitimacy of a controlled prescription, it is their responsibility to ensure that medications are used safely and effectively. Pharmacists can take steps such as verifying the prescription with the prescriber, checking the patient's medication history, and using their professional judgment to determine the appropriate course of action. In the United States, pharmacists are required to complete a doctorate in pharmacy and be licensed; their extensive knowledge in chemistry and biology aids them in understanding the effects of drugs. They are also an integral part of pharmacovigilance systems designed to monitor the long-term safety of medications post-approval, as mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure drug safety and efficacy.
When evaluating the legitimacy of a controlled prescription, a pharmacist may consult resources like the Commonly Abused Drugs Chart and the Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs Chart from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. These resources help identify patterns of abuse and raise awareness about the potential for misuse. Ultimately, the pharmacist's role is critical in preventing drug abuse and ensuring the safety of patients, by serving as a checkpoint between the prescription of controlled substances and their dispensation.
In cases where strict medical regulations by the FDA come into play, patients requiring access to new and potentially life-saving drugs may suffer due to the prolonged testing and approval process. These individuals could be considered the "anonymous losers" who do not benefit immediately from strict regulations but may benefit from the eventual availability of safe and effective medications.