new DEA rules forbid pharmacists from changing a C-II Rx is correct

  P.S. Last month's Letter that says new DEA rules forbid pharmacists from changing a C-II Rx is correct...even though it's not consistent with the info on DEA's website. Officials know about the confusion and promise new guidance soon. We'll post updates as soon as DEA clarifies. Feel free to send us an email with "DEA Update" in the subject line, and we'll email you as soon as the clarification is posted. Until then it's unlikely that you'll get into trouble if you follow the old rules that allow SOME changes.

Addendum December 09, 2008

On October 15, 2008, the DEA updated their Q&A (http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/faq/general.htm) to acknowledge the discrepancy between the language in the Final Rule entitled Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances (72 FR 64921) and DEA's previous policy on what changes a pharmacist can make to a schedule II prescription after oral consultation with the prescriber. DEA states they plan to resolve the matter through a future rulemaking. But until that time, pharmacists are advised to adhere to state regulations or policies on the matter.