so how do these Controlled Substances show up in the pharmacy controlled substances in the pharmacy are categorized from C2 to C5 with each category requiring specific handling and filing protocols for C2 medications it's mandatory to keep paper prescriptions in a dedicated file separate from other medications due to their high potential for abuse these must be stored securely at the location listed on the DEA registration certificate for C3 through C5 medications you have the option to either keep these prescriptions in a separate file or integrate them with non-controlled substance records provided they are distinctly marked with a red C stamp in the lower right corner to ensure they are readily retrievable this organization AIDS in efficient retrieval during audits or inspections behind the counter products such as those containing edrine or pseudo edrine are heavily regul ated these regulations come from the combat methamphetamine epidemic Act of 2005 as a pharmacy technician you must verify the purchaser's identification and log details such as the purchaser's name and address the date and time of the sale and the quantity sold adhering strictly to the daily limit of 3.6 G and a monthly limit of 9 G of the active ingredients it's crucial to ensure that all non-liquid forms including gel caps are sold in two unit blister packs to prevent misuse the log of these sales must be maintained either electronically or in written form and kept for at least 2 years for compliance with Federal Regulations ordering and disposing of Controlled Substances involve strict documentation DEA form 222 is used for ordering C2 drugs filled out in triplicate the first copy is sent to the supplier the second to the de a and the third remains with the pharmacy upon receipt the pharmacist must verify the quantity received against the form and note any discrepancies immediately for records there are 10 lines available for the technician to use when requesting different types of controlled substances on the form for the disposal of outdated or excess Controlled Substances DEA form 41 is required documenting the items to be returned or destroyed in instances of theft or loss DEA form 106 helps track the incident and initiate an investigation these forms are critical in maintaining legal compliance and ensuring the safety of the community pharmacies are required to perform a complete inventory of Controlled Substances every 2 years for C2 substances exact counts are necessary while estimates are permissible for C3 through C5 medications all inventory records must be maintained for a minimum of 2 years and are subject to INSP inspection cat2 drugs must be stored in a double locked tamperproof narcotics cabinet to prevent unauthorized access less strictly Controlled Substances such as C3 through C5 can be stored more openly within secure areas of the pharmacy meticulous adherence to these protocols not only ensures compliance with the law but also safeguards the pharmacy and its patients from potential harm by mastering these responsibilities you contribute significantly to the integrity and safety of the pharmaceutical field