Final answer:
The "5% rule" allows pharmacies to transfer a limited amount of controlled substances to another authorized pharmacy. 5 here refers to the tablets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "5% rule" refers to a pharmacy's ability to transfer up to 5% of a controlled substance that it has dispensed in a calendar year—that is, the same dosage form, strength, and total quantity—to another pharmacy that is permitted to handle controlled substances. The Controlled Substances Act and rules that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the US enforces specify this regulation.
For instance, a pharmacy may transfer up to 50 tablets (or 5% of 1,000) of a prohibited medication to another licensed pharmacy if it dispenses 1,000 tablets of the substance in a given calendar year.